shazlyrasheed

[shazlyrasheed]

Resignation Letter to the Mayor

                                                                       Shazly Rasheed

                                                                          7 Hinau Street 

                                                        Woburn, Lower Hutt 5010

31 May 2022

Mayor Campbell Barry

Hutt City Council

30 Laings Road

LOWER HUTT 5010

Dear Campbell

MY RESIGNATION

As you are aware, on 27 May 2022 - I formally notified the CEO that I was resigning with immediate effect from the Hutt City Council. I want to explain for you and Councillors the reasons for my decision.

I informed you earlier in the year that I have decided to not stand for another term, and I was going to move with my family to Australia when my term finished in October. However due to the many concerns about the atmosphere at council that I have expressed to you and more recently how I have been treated by you, some other Councillors, and the CEO, I have now decided that it is almost impossible to carry out my governance duties that I am elected to do.

There is a certain standard we must uphold, and I do not see it happening in the Hutt City Council. For a start there should be more consideration given to democracy and the freedom of Councillors to express diverse views. We should all be allowed to express our views and concerns without being penalised for it.

Some Councillors have been treated unfairly for raising legitimate concerns about proposed council policy and other governance issues. Some Councillors have been severely persecuted through codes of conduct complaints and threatened complaints and have had salary cuts as punishment for just doing their jobs, such as highlighting serious governance issues, which has been ignored.

For those that speak out or vote against what is proposed have all had our fair share of being accused of leaking information to media without any evidence. We have spent more time and energy continuously fighting to clear ourselves of false allegations than the job we are elected to do.

In recent times I have become more of a subject of persecution. I have raised with you many concerns and I strongly stand by the fact that I have been treated unfairly for having a different view to the majority of the Council.  

It all started when, despite pressure, I refused to support a joint letter signed by you and majority of Councillors on Feb 2021 asking Cr Milne to resign. As far as I could see, Cr Milne had done nothing wrong but had been heavily penalised and leaked against for no good reason. I explained to you that I did not get elected to ask other elected members to resign when they were just doing their job and I did not want to be part of it. You and other Councillors also seemed to be annoyed at me for maintaining a professional friendship with Cr Milne and Cr Sutton.

I think it is important to list few specific examples that help explain why I resigned from Council.

1-    Unwillingness to answer questions and poor treatment

 On Saturday 12 March 2022, I raised it with you that a member of the public has been given information by officers that I requested about LIMS and Consents from the officers over a month before.

 It was disappointing and poor service that an elected member had to wait for response while the public can get answers through an OIA. To this date I have not been sent the answers through the elected members email, the only line of communication we are now permitted by the CEO. This was not the first time I had to wait that long to get a response.

 2-    CEO’s use of Twitter, publicly attacking me, and her behaviour towards me

 On 30 August 2021, I raised it with you my concerns about the CEO’s Tweets regarding a Facebook post and Stuff news article on the City Council’s staff morale and how the CEO has tweeted publicly by dragging me (indirectly) into her apparent ongoing conflict with a member of the public. After few emails and lengthy meeting between myself, CEO and yourself, she cleared my name.

 Every time I vote against anything that the Council propose she stopped talking to me. Most recently I voted against the Naming Policy and raised my concerns about lack of engagement of Three Waters. Soon after the meeting we were at the Dowse on 8 March 2022 for a meeting with the UPL. I greeted the CEO who rudely ignored me. Cr Shaw who was sitting right next to me greeted her and she greeted her back and acknowledged her.

 The CEO continues to be rude and unprofessional towards me. Mr Mayor, while you tried to resolve the issue with her, she continues to be unprofessional hence the reason why I don’t get timely or adequate responses to my questions. You seem to be OK with this and I don’t feel you take this seriously at all.

 3-    Controlling behaviour by Cr Briggs

On 26 August 2021, Cr Briggs asked me to cut my ties with a ratepayer. Who is he really to tell another elected Councillor who to talk and who not to talk? I treat all rate payers equally and if anyone asks me a question and I do not know the answers I have always sent the questions to Elected Members Email for answers. I wondered if I was a male, white or a non-immigrant would Cr Briggs have treated me like that.

 4-    Being called racist, publicly, by Cr Briggs and no action taken

 On 22 February 2022 at the Policy, Finance and Strategy Committee when I opposed the proposed Naming Policy to be adopted without going to public consultation, the three Councillors who opposed it were referred as being racist by Cr Briggs, which was noted in the minutes of the meeting. At the Council meeting on 23 March 2022 Cr Briggs again referred us being racist for not supporting the policy.

 Mr Mayor, neither you, as Chair, nor any Committee Chairs or member of your Council restrained him.

 I wondered how you or other members would have reacted if it was myself, Cr Milne or Sutton that had called other Councillors racist.

 As I have repeatedly expressed to you there is so much bias in your Council if your narrative is different to the majority. It should not be like that in a healthy democracy.

 5-    Your evasion regarding questions surrounding some of your personal dealings.

 6-    Exclusion by Cr Briggs & Cr Brown from decisions and discussions at the Wainuiomata Town Centre Steering Group

 On 23 March 2022, I raised it with you that on 18 March 2022 Cr Briggs, excluded me, an appointed member, from budget and planning discussions from Wainui Centre Redevelopment Steering Group. I raised it again with you on 11 April 2022. You told me to go back to Cr Briggs. As per your suggestion I forward my concerns to Cr Briggs and Cr Brown and to this date I have not heard anything from them. If I thought your suggestion of raising directly with Cr Briggs would work, I would never have come to you. You back your supporters and don’t appear to care about the council as a team.

 This is not the job that I signed up for when I stood for Council. I have never worked in such an unhealthy environment. What I have seen is undemocratic and bullying. No one should have to put up with it and in any employment situation in New Zealand how some of us has been treated will be serious mistreatment and discrimination.

This has taken a serious toll on my health.

I have looked for leadership from you to deal with these issues, but I feel completely unsupported, or worse.

 Regards

                                        Shazly Rasheed

 COPIED TO:             Councillors

[shazlyrasheed]

Resignation Letter to The CEO

                                                                    Shazly Rasheed

                                               City Wide Councillor, Hutt City

                                                                         7 Hinau Street

                                                        Woburn, Lower Hutt 5010

  27 May 2022

 Jo Miller

Chief Executive

Hutt City Council

30 Laings Road

LOWER HUTT 5010

 Dear Jo

 MY RESIGNANTION

I am resigning with immediate effect from the Hutt City Council.

Now that I have resigned, I want to go on to explain to you the reason for my decision and I will expand on those reasons in a separate letter to the Mayor.

There is a certain standard we must uphold, and I do not see it happening in the Hutt City Council. For a start there should be more consideration given to democracy and the freedom of Councillors to express diverse views. We should ALL be allowed to express our views and concerns and do our jobs as Councillors without being penalised for it.

Some Councillors have been treated unfairly for raising legitimate concerns about proposed council policy and other governance issues. Some Councillors have been severely persecuted through codes of conduct complaints and threatened complaints and have had salary cuts as punishment for just doing their jobs, such as highlighting serious governance issues, which has been ignored.

For example, information I have requested in furtherance of my duties was often ignored or delayed for many months (if answered at all!).

On Saturday 12 March 2022, I pointed out to the Mayor that a member of the public was finally given information about your administration’s poor LIM and Consents performance, while I had requested that information, in vain, from the officers over a month before.

It is disappointing, poor practice and bad for democracy that an elected member has to wait for a response while the public we represent have to resort to legally mandated channels to get answers through an OIA. To this date I have NOT been sent the answers through the elected members email, the only line of communication we are now permitted by you. This was not the first time I had to wait that long to get a response from YOUR administration.

This is only one example.

This is NOT what I signed up for when I stood for Council. I have never worked in such an unhealthy environment. What I have seen is undemocratic and bullying. No one should have to put up with it and in any employment situation in New Zealand how some of us elected members have been treated would amount to serious mistreatment and discrimination.

I have looked for leadership from YOU to deal with these issues (and those will be detailed in my letter to the Mayor), but I feel completely unsupported, or worse.

Regards

Shazly Rasheed

COPIED TO:             Mayor Campbell Barry

Councillors

[shazlyrasheed]

Rates burden tough for businesses

Can the commercial sector afford another huge rate hike?

With economic uncertainty on the rise, we need to understand what it would mean for a hike in rates for our commercial rate payers.

Inflation has reached 5.9% and expected to reach its highest level in 31 years this year. Economists has warned that we can expect inflation to rise to 7.4% in the second quarter of this year. So there is a risk we could spend a period with high inflation while being unable to grow the economy much further.

We are already seeing the impact of high costs and fuel prices on our businesses. Like our households, businesses are feeling these increases. We should be making decisions that will reduce economic hardship and fairer for all our rate payers.

Straight after our first lockdown when our businesses went through the biggest uncertainty, majority of our Council agreed to reduce the residential rating category share of general rates from 63% to 62% in 2021/22 and making further reductions of 1% per year for the following two years with the corresponding increase in commercial percentage without doing any study in to it. This means commercial sector rates will rise twice the rate of residential rates. Businesses will continue to take the burden and will be forced to carry the cost, forgetting the huge contribution they make to our city’s economy. Obviously we are putting the pressure on a minority group who have very little voting power. Commercial business rate payers are being over charged in a time we should be supporting them to increase the productivity of the city’s economy.

On 4th April 2022 at the Long Term Plan/Annual Plan Subcommittee meeting majority of our Council agreed to consult on proposed rates increase of 4.5% for residential rate payers. It was also agreed average commercial central increase to 8.2%, average commercial suburban increase to 8.3% and 15.6% increase to Queensgate. The argument for this was Queensgate’s valuation has gone up with the opening of the new carparks and progress on the cinema. What we are failing to recognise is the huge revenue drop for the tenants in the centre. If you talk to the tenants most have had a revenue drop, some as much as 50%. That’s a huge drop when you have been struggling to stay afloat over the last two years.

So while the value of the centre has increased, the revenue for most businesses have decreased and cost of running a business has increased significantly.

Businesses have to pay 5 extra sick days, extra day’s holiday pay and minimum wage increased from 1 April, cost of self-isolating if they are hit by COVID to name of a few.

For example with this increase for Queensgate, if they operate at a 20% margin, they have to increase sales by $35,000 a week to cover the rates increase. Most businesses are not even breaking even at the moment so how can they generate income like that? Remembering any rate increase will get passed on to tenants and you cannot blame the landlords for that.

What we should never forget is for a city to thrive we must increase our productivity otherwise money is eventually going to run out. To improve our city’s economy it is crucial to keep existing businesses here and bringing in new ones so our residents stay employed.

Our ratepayers are watching and cutting their spending to survive, is it time Council to do the same?

Can the commercial sector afford these increases? Or is it time to freeze the differentials for a year to make it fairer for everyone?

If you want to have your say about changes to your rates the light touch engagement period is planned to take place from 12 April to 3 May 2022.

Have you say https://haveyoursay.huttcity.govt.nz/making-progress?tool=survey_tool#tool_tab

 Shazly Rasheed, City Wide Councillor-Hutt City Council

[shazlyrasheed]

City and residents health entwined

The economic health of a city depends on its resident’s financial wellbeing and stability. It is proven when residents thrive, their city also thrives.

Likewise, economic growth in a city can generate prosperity and opportunity for its residents. Strong growth and employment opportunities lift people’s financial health which is vital to the overall wellbeing of the community.

There is growth happening in our city. Lower Hutt’s new residential building consents increased by 108% with 389 consents issued in the September 2021 quarter, that is three times higher than the 10 year average of 128. Foreseeing that growth, Hutt City Council signed off its Long Term Plan to more than double its investment in capital infrastructure to $1.5 billion over the next 10 years.

 Economic recovery from Covid 19 in our city is also continuing slowly even though the latest Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce business confidence survey showed business confidence in the city has dropped compared to what was reported earlier in the year with businesses expected to be more impacted over the next 6-12 months. In that regard, labour shortage has been a huge factor, and businesses continue to struggle to find skilled and unskilled staff. But there is a silver lining – unemployment rate of our city has dropped to 3.7%, lowest on record, and Jobseeker Support recipients starting to fall slowly.

 Looking at our resident’s financial wellbeing, many are struggling to find a roof over their head with our house prices increasing by 39% with median house price now at $890,000. There is not enough rental stock on the market, and if there is any available the rent is exorbitant. While we are seeing slow signs of recovery, uncertainty, cost pressures and inflation are increasing. This is already impacting many households.

 During August lockdown demand for food parcels across the city increased three times. More than 500 food parcels a day were delivered by Hutt Valley Food Resilient Network and Hutt Valley Emergency Kai Collection. Community support groups also reported more families requesting support. Many households that were able to manage before are struggling to feed their families now and we are expected to see an increase in people who can’t get basic needs met, like feeding their families.

 So how can we raise the wellbeing of our residents and economic growth of our city?

We have to look at the community as a whole and explore the factors that contribute to community wellbeing.

Council’s Neighbourhood and Communities Team aim to focus on communities to ensure we have a connected, resilient city where everyone thrives, provide integrated services, and work with community partners to support our most vulnerable families to get basic needs like food on the table. While we should be supporting the great work of our Food Resilience Network and other Community Groups that support our most vulnerable people as much as we can, the problem is bigger than our Council can fix. Central government should play a much bigger part. We need to look beyond short term fixes.

To have long term solutions for these issues, I believe our city’s economic growth must play a pivotal role.

The best pathway for lifting our resident’s financial wellbeing is through well-paying jobs. To achieve that goal, we have to support our businesses to increase productivity. Economic growth is the most powerful instrument for our resident’s financial wellbeing and improving their quality of life. We must create new jobs to boost our city’s economy. All the projects Council are investing can create more jobs if we give our contracts to local businesses. Imagine how much money that will inject back in to our local economy and how financially resilient our residents and city can become? It’s time to act on our favourite quote we chant ‘love Local’ so we can truly create a thriving Lower Hutt.

Shazly Rasheed, City Wide Councillor-Hutt City Council

[shazlyrasheed]

Heritage listing worth the debate

Should residential properties be heritage listed without the consent of property owners?

A home is the biggest asset most people will own. Buying a home is the biggest financial decision many people will make. It has been seen as the ‘Kiwi dream’ and a major life milestone.

The benefits of home ownership don’t come without costs and limitations, especially if your house is identified by the Council as a property to go on their Heritage List.

Lower Hutt has many pockets of historic properties. Most property owners recognise this and go to great lengths to preserve the historic characteristics of their beautiful homes. They pay special attention to this when they undertake alterations. Even though it comes at a significant cost, they see the importance of retaining the historic characteristics.

Heritage listed properties comes with additional responsibilities. When a property is heritage listed it restricts the property owner’s ability to do simple changes to their homes. A consent is needed to do simple alterations like removing a chimney (even though it might be for safety reason), changing windows, adding new doors, putting solar panels in… the list goes on. As we all know, getting a consent can be costly, prolonged and stressful.

When it comes to property value, studies show that heritage listing can have a large negative impact on the property. An Auckland study by Bade et al (published in the peer-reviewed journal, Land Use Policy 2020), found a statistically significant price reduction of around 9.6% for houses protected for heritage values, between the years 2006-2016. That definitely doesn’t sound fair to the people buying a property not realising it might be listed as heritage or do not want their property listed as heritage.

 Heritage listed homes also have the burden of paying higher insurance premiums compared to a non-heritage property. While some insurance companies adopt a case by case approach other companies charge a minimum of 25% higher premiums on Heritage New Zealand listed properties, but there is no doubt a premium would apply to Council listed properties too.

 For many in this generation, home ownership looks so far out of reach. We should make it as easy as possible to make this dream achievable for our ratepayers without bureaucratic interference. The average house value in Lower Hutt is now just under one million, an increase of 38 percent in the last twelve months alone.

While a number of property owners are happy to have their homes heritage listed, should we not require the consent of the property owners before such a listing? Is a voluntary approach the best way or should Council be dictating without the consent of the homeowner to list their biggest asset as heritage and put more stress on homeowners?

Should buying a home be a key to happiness, or just another source of stress?

The District Plan engagement process would allow opportunities for residents to provide feedback on this important issue. Hutt City Council’s District plan team anticipate that a Draft District Plan will be released early next year for engagement. The heritage chapter will be included in the Draft District Plan and the engagement process. If this matter concerns you make sure to have your say in the heritage chapter review of the District Plan.

Shazly Rasheed, City Wide Councillor- Hutt City Council.

[shazlyrasheed]

Health of CBD key for our city’s future. Opinion piece for Hutt News

Will businesses in the CBD survive to see the Riverlink?

I think most of us would agree that Hutt River is our biggest asset and also our biggest risk to the city due to its flooding. Clearly, the Riverlink development will change the face of the city and will transform the Lower Hutt CBD.

We cannot ignore the growth and investment it will generate. Our Council unanimously approved $138.4 million to this project.

The collaborative partnership between Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington Region Council and Waka Kotahi will no doubt deliver flood protection, urban development plans and Melling Transport improvement.

While there is no doubt the Riverlink development will make our city more connected, resilient, attractive to do business, work and live, there is a lot of fear and uncertainty amongst the businesses in the area.

Many business owners constantly tell me they have not recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council has imposed commercial rate increase on them and with all the positives of the Riverlink development, there is fear as to how the Council can drive them through all this disruption? I believe this is the time to support our businesses in the central city.

Latest Informetrics Economic Monitor on Lower Hutt (March 2021 data) shows that traffic flow in the CBD was down by 7%, resulting in 0.6% fall in electronic card spending. We can take little comfort with employment in the city growing at 0.4%, an unemployment rate of 4.2% below the national average of 4.7%. Lower Hutt Job seeker support recipient rate is at 23% up 2.7% from the last quarter. Latest business confidence survey from the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce looks dull and gloom too.

 The big question is will businesses in the CBD survive to see the Riverlink development with the disruption the project will cause?

 How can we put the confidence back to the business community, the very people who creates employment, stimulate our economic growth and help to grow our city further to benefit its people? I believe it is important our Council doesn’t let the central city, the bread and butter of the city’s economy struggle while we focus on the Riverlink and that our business community feels encouraged and supported. We need to keep our eyes on the CBD and not completely shift to the Riverlink development in the next few years.

 Unavoidably, there is going to be disruptions with a project of this scale. On completion of construction in 2027, RiverLink is set to result in a net reduction in the 850 capacity Riverbank car park of around 50 percent, coupled with a loss of approximately 95 on-street car parks at the city/river interface.

 Maybe this is the time to work on a creative plan and change mode shifts travelling across and around the central city. We need creative ideas. With new opportunities we must adapt to new ways of thinking.

 The good news is the Riverlink development team are on board with the idea of implanting new ways to get around the city. The project also has a budget to activate the CBD and not fully shift its focus to the Riverlink development alone with a belief that CBD is a vital part of the overall development.

 As your councillor who has been the strongest voice for businesses, I’d like to get your feedback and ideas, so I can continue to work for you in the Council.

Shazly Rasheed, City Wide Councillor- Hutt City Council.

[shazlyrasheed]

Coffee with Shazly, with the CE of Hutt City Council Jo Millar

For this issue, I sat down with CE of Hutt City Council Jo Miller Jo is the oldest of 3 siblings and grew up on a council estate in Liverpool, receiving free school meals, before becoming the first in her family to go to university. Jo studied Law at the University of Southampton and began her career as a trainee solicitor in Nottingham, the start of her rise to the highest levels of local government.

Jo held one of the most high-profile local government jobs in the UK, having established an outstanding track record for motivating people, identifying solutions and brokering agreements in major housing, regeneration and capital investment schemes. She believes in negotiating, collaborating and influencing to get the job done, no matter what.

As Chief Executive at Doncaster Council in South Yorkshire, Jo was recognised as having brought exceptional growth and optimism to a previously economically depressed town to something to be proud of. Most importantly Jo wanted city of Doncaster to be a city of kindness.

Jo attracted landmark projects to Doncaster with a total investment of £2 billion boosted economic performance, and the town is now in the UK’s top ten for growth and is outstripping the rest of the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Jo transformed the character and reputation of the Doncaster Council and addressed gender balance in its workforce and in the town.

Jo was the elected President of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and in 2017 the Local Government Chronicle named her the third most influential person in local government in the UK. Jo arrived in New Zealand in July as the newly appointed CE of Hutt City Council. She brings positive optimism to Lower Hutt.

I have known Jo since she arrived in Lower Hutt, and I see Jo as a strong leader with a vision and passion for people who genuinely wants the best for our city. Jo will get the job done. Jo lives in Lower Hutt with her husband Ken and two boys Harry and Ewen.

 Highlight of your career?                                                    

Taking Doncaster Council in the UK being the worst in the UK to amongst the best in the country delivering for its people.  

Most challenging time in your career?                                 

When I started in Doncaster it was labelled the worst council. Services for looking after children were unsafe, many key staff had left, and the politics was poor. It was lonely, high risk and a lot of responsibility, with the consequences if things didn’t go right very worrying, I held my nerve, worked with our communities, staff, and government and it came good eventually.

Best thing about your job?                                                   

Getting to unlock talent, helping people make a difference, it’s the best job in the world.

Favourite restaurant?                                                                            

If I say one in the Hutt, I will get in to trouble! I’m working my way through lots of wonderful restaurants with great choice.                             

Favourite ‘cheap and cheerful meal’?                      

Boiled eggs and soldiers.                                                                       

Favourite cuisine?                                                                

Curry. Indian, Pakistani, we all love it.

Favourite website?                                                   

Stuff.co.nz.                                                                      

Favourite drink?                                                              

Gin & Tonic.                                                                

Favourite Gadget?                                                               

I phone.                                                                          

Where do you like to shop?                                                 

I use K&K and Ziera shoes a lot, staff are so helpful there, they tell me what works for me. Putting a house together, Harvey Norman, Big Save, Bunnings, Briscoes, plus some of the independent shops in Jackson Street are awesome.

Celebrity crush?                                                                 

Sonny Bill Williams. I had dinner with him and the Kiwi team when they were in the UK. Sonny Bill William is such a gentleman. And now I’m here he’s going to Toronto! Super guy.                                     

Favourite holiday destination?                                         

When I was in the UK, I spent a lot of time in Turkey and loved it, since I came to New Zealand, we have been to Queenstown - couple times and it’s amazing. I am looking forward to exploring the whole country.

How do you unwind?                                                           

I love a good book, I like a gin & tonic and I love being around my family, cooking and spending time to just be.

Favourite music?                                                                  

I have a very eclectic music taste, from Adele, Irish folk music, which I was brought up with and whatever the apple play list is. I like the 80’s music and I like a bit of rock.

What famous person you would most likely invite for a dinner party?

Barack Obama, because he’s a hero, Liam Neeson, he is my favourite actor and I had a crush on him since I can remember and Sonny Bill Williams because he was such good company.                                            

What makes you angry?                                                      

I try not to get angry because I don’t believe it’s a good emotion, but it makes me angry when people put labels on people and try and put them down. Dropping litter drives me insane.                             

What’s the biggest risk you have ever taken?                        

I am a bit of a risk taker, when I went to Doncaster it was labelled as the worst Council in the country and everyone said I was taking a massive risk, but I knew it was only going to get better. I didn’t think it was a risk. I remember once signing a deal for about what would be 400 million NZ dollars. I was asked to hold off signing for two days. I didn’t and signed up there when I originally planned against advice. In doing so, I saved 20 million dollars I took a calculated gamble and it paid off. I knew that I stood to gain more than lose.

Describe someone who inspires you and why?                    

My mum. She brought up 3 children by herself, it was quite unusual to be a single mum back then. She always spent her time supporting her community. She taught us from a very young age that the only limits for our ambition are those we placed on ourselves. She encouraged her 3 kids to be the best version of themselves. If I can do half that in my work life and home life, I will be very happy.

Most rewarding personal achievement?                               

I was chosen by my peers to be the president of the UK local government managers association and was the first woman to be elected to the position.

One piece of advice you would like to give someone following your footsteps.                                                                                                                              Never underestimate the power of paying attention. If you pay attention to something, it matters. I have always paid attention to diversity. It’s important we all share a vision for this fantastic city. We are the home of Callaghan innovation and two Crown research institutes. That’s unique in NZ. We have the most amazing businesses who are leaders in games and technology and advance manufacturing, building on Hutt’s proud manufacturing history. Time is measured here and this impacts across the world. I think Hutt makes the future - future is made here. How exciting is that? I would like us to capitalise on that. I want the Hutt Valley to be the best it can be so that all its people can thrive. 

One thing you are very proud of in your life?                  

I’m a good person trying to do good as a mum or in the jobs I do that I can hand on heart say I have left them better shape than I have found them I think I am a good and kind custodian who works hard to make a difference.

[shazlyrasheed]

Coffee with Shazly, with the CEO of Hutt Valley of Commerce Helen Down

Helen was born and raised in the Wairarapa and went to Kuranui College in Greytown.

On leaving school Helen was awarded a Telecom NZ Bursary and graduated from VUW with a BCA. Later in her career, Helen became the only Kiwi to attend NEC University in Tokyo and complete NEC’s residential Overseas Management Programme

 After a short time with Telecom NZ she headed overseas. In London she took a job with NYNEX Cable Comms as Associate Director Business Telephony Marketing, playing a key role in the establishment of this start up’s telco Cable TV and fibre network. She later worked for British Telecom as part of their global telecommunications network team. After 3 years in the UK, she had to return to New Zealand due to family reasons.

 Once home Helen joined NZ TSSC, as Head of Marketing and Business Development. NZ TSSC was a joint venture company between NEC Japan and Telecom NZ providing software solutions and services for public switched telephone networks. This position was created within TSSC to lead the company into the global commercial business world with a target of increasing revenue from $9m in the first year to $14m within two years. From there Helen took the role of Country Manager for Open Telecommunications.

 In 2001 Helen turned down another senior corporate role to start Synthesis Marketing, to provide SMEs with professional, expert marketing support and advice. This was a unique service at the time and 18 years later the company remains NZ’s longest marketing company of its type focussed on the SME sector.  Helen’s passion is helping innovative kiwi companies grow and commercialise their offering effectively and profitably.

 Helen is the current CEO of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, having previously served as President and Board member for many years. Joining the Hutt Valley Chamber was her second appointment on her first day of owning her business and Helen has stayed closed to the Chamber ever since.

 Helen is a natural leader, quick thinking strategist, accomplished speaker and workshop presenter. She is known as an energetic and enthusiastic business professional who gets things done.

 She spends her spare time being outside, walking her dogs and loves horse riding. Helen lives with her husband on their 20-acre farm and has two children. She’s conscious of the environment and together they grow much of their own food.

Highlight of your career?                                                

The turnaround and success of NZ TSSC and since then the success of many of the businesses that I have had the privilege to work with.                                                                   

Most challenging time in your career?                    

Commercialising a large software organisation (NZ TSSC) and managing the relationships and contracts between Telecom and NEC Japan. I was the only commercial staff in a fabulous team of technical engineers and the challenge was blending the skills and cultures of Japan and New Zealand. I worked on the project for 5 years and opened many new international markets.                                                                         

Best thing about your job?                                          

Always the people.                                                                    

Favourite restaurant?                                                          

Eating at home, we grow most of our meat and vegetables so a plate full of tasty home-grown food.                                                              

Favourite ‘cheap and cheerful meal’?                          

Our steak, our chips and our eggs from our place.                                              

Favourite cuisine?                                                                  

Anything free range and especially home kill.                                              

Favourite website?                                                              

Trade me.                                                                

Favourite drink?                                                                  

Single malt whiskey.                                                                

Favourite Gadget?                                                                

I don’t like them.                                                          

Dress code?                                                          

Anything from corporate to farming.                    

Where do you like to shop?                                          

Any horse shops or farming shops. Prefer physical shops but online is fine too!       

Celebrity crush?                                                            

Aidan Turner.                                                

Favourite holiday destination?                                          

Travelling through the NZ back country on long horse treks.

How do you unwind?                                                          

On the farm with my family and animals and of course horse-riding.                                                                                                                                        Favourite music?                                                            

Neil Finn.                                                                        

What makes you angry?                                            

Waste, wasted food, rubbish, wasted opportunity, wasted skills. Humans waste so much.                                                                       

What’s the biggest risk you have ever taken?            

Putting aside a very successful corporate career and starting my own business.                                                                     

Describe someone who inspires you and why?                                                                  

The business owners in this city who run long term, sustainable and profitable and businesses.                                                  

Most rewarding personal achievement?                                    

My family and our farm.                                      

What have been your biggest contribution to the Hutt Valley?                                                                     

Business growth and services, I have offered through my own businesses and through the Chamber.                                                            

What is your vision for the Hutt Valley?            

Hutt Valley needs to seize the opportunity to have its own identity and not be seen in the shadow of Wellington. We need to take responsibility for ourselves and claim our position in NZ and Internationally.                                                

One thing you are very proud of in your life?                                                                      

My family, our farm, the value my businesses provide to the companies we support and of course the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce.                                                

[shazlyrasheed]

Coffee with Shazly, with the National MP Hon Judith Collins.

Honourable Judith Collins was born in Hamilton and she is the youngest of six children. Judith attended Matamata College obtaining a LLB, LLM (Hon) and, MTaxS at Auckland University. Judith met her husband while at Auckland University and have been married for over 30 years and, have a son together.

In 2013, Judith was selected to attend and complete d the Leadership Decision Making (LDM) executive programme at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government in the United States, She is currently completing her Post-Graduate diploma in Health and Safety at Massey University.

Prior to entering parliament, she worked in various firms as a lawyer specialising in employment, property, commercial and tax law. In 1990, Judith opened her own law firm, Judith Collins and Associates. Judith has also served as President of Auckland District Law Society and Vice President of New Zealand Law Society.

Judith was elected to parliament in 2002 elections as the National MP for Clevedon, Judith was National Party’s Associate Spokesperson on Health, Spokesperson for Internal Affairs, Justice, Social Welfare and Pacific Island Affairs, Justice and Tourism.

While in opposition in 2003, Judith campaigned for and was successful in leading the enquiry which confirmed that Agent Orange harmed the health of New Zealand troops to the chemical during the Vietnam War. Judith was awarded the Ex-Vietnam Services Association Pin in 2004 as a result of campaigning for the inquiry.

In 2008 Elections Judith stood and won the Papakura electorate and has continued as MP for Papakura since then. Judith became a cabinet Minister after National formed a government in 2008 with the portfolios of Police, Corrections and Veteran’s Affairs. As Minister of Police Judith put 600 extra police on the frontline around the country, introduced and passed legislation to crush the cars of repeat illegal street racers and, funded and supported Taser guns for Police.

After the 2011 elections Judith was appointed Minister of Justice, Minister of ACC and Minister of Ethnic Affairs and she was ranked 5 in Cabinet, the highest ranked woman. During her time as Justice

Minister she introduced and passed legislation to strengthen the rights of victims and, expanded opportunities for them to be involved in the justice process. Judith overhauled New Zealand’s court systems to improve the transparency of the judicial process. She wanted to enhance New Zealand’s trust and confidence in the justice system. She made combatting cyber-bullying a priority, introduced Public Protection Orders to protect the public from serious sexual or violent offenders and, launched New Zealand’s first Adult Alcohol and Drug Treatment Court. As Minister for ACC she introduced free after-hours ACC visits for under-6s and the Safety Star Rating System to ensure the safety records of businesses were more visible.

Judith is currently National Party’s spokesperson for Housing and Urban Development, Planning (RMA reform), Infrastructure and, ranks number 4 in the party.

In my interview with her I found Judith warm, calm and collected.

Highlight of your career?                                                

Getting re-elected in 6 elections in Papakura.          

Most challenging time in your career?                  

Through 2014, I had to deal with being accused of things I had not done. The great thing is though, I came through stronger.                                                                

Best thing about your job?                                                  

It is always interesting, meeting different people, learning new things. I love that there is so much variety.                                                          

Favourite restaurant in Wellington?                                                        

The Thistle.                                                    

Favourite ‘cheap and cheerful meal’?                      

Leg of lamb or fish no sauces.                                                                      

Favourite website?                                                  

Any news site                                                      

Favourite drink?                                                            

Coffee and sparkling water.                                                                

Favourite Gadget?                                                    

Phone.                                                                

Dress code?                                                                        

I like to dress in a smart and respectful manner for the people I am meeting.                                                  

Where do you like to shop?                                                

Trelise Cooper.                                                

Celebrity crush?                                                                

Brad Pitt. (Judith has met him and have a picture with him displayed in her office).

Favourite holiday destination?                                        

Samoa or staying at home is even better.                                                                        

How do you unwind?                                                            

I do house work, wash everything. I’m an active relaxer.                                                                              

Favourite music?                                                                  

Blues.                                                                                  

What famous person you would most likely invite for a dinner party?                                                                          

Michael Jones.                                                                                    

What makes you angry?                                          

Unfairness, people who lie and gossip.                    

What’s the biggest risk you have ever taken?                

Coming in to this career. It’s a massive risk for reputation, for friends, for business and family.                        

Describe someone who inspires you and why?                    

My parents who have not had the advantages and opportunities I have had. They realised education was the way forward and encouraged me and my siblings to get the best education we could. My mum was deaf and didn’t drive. So she would take us on a bus that would take an hour to get us to the swimming pool so could have swimming lessons.                                                          

Most rewarding personal achievement?                  

Getting up every day and having an extremely positive feeling about my work and what I can achieve for people. Every day is a good day.                                                                          

One piece of advice you would like to give someone following your footsteps?                                                    

Keep your feet on the ground, learn everything you can, listen to everybody, take advice you consider to be the right advice and understand that this job does not last forever.                                                                          

Biggest contribution to New Zealand.                                

Standing up for victims of crime. Supporting the police and corrections and, people who try and keep us a safe place                                                                              

Favourite destination in New Zealand.                              

Home, where ever my family is.                                                                

One thing you are very proud of in your life?                                                           Being a good mother.

[shazlyrasheed]

Coffee with Shazly, with the Editor of the Vibrant Hutt magazine Leigh Sutton, I chatted to her about her other valuable community building role that of Hutt City Councillor.

Leigh was elected to Council as an Independent in October 2016 after spending 12 years on her local ward committee, including lengthy stints as Chair. She represents the Northern Ward where she has lived for most of her life. First growing up with her Mum, Dad and four brothers and sisters in Pomare – she attended Pomare School, Taita (now Avalon Intermediate) and Taita College. These days she lives in Stokes Valley where she runs the local - very popular – newspaper The Stokes Valley Times. She also runs the Taita Times newspaper which serves the communities of Pomare and Taita.

Leigh might be a first-term Councillor but she has some key responsibilities. She is Deputy Chair of arguably one of the Council’s most influential committees – Community Development – and was recently appointed Deputy Chair of the Finance and Performance Committee. She is also a member of the Policy and Regulatory, Community Services, Hutt Valley Joint Services, Community Plan and Civic Honours Committees; Traffic Subcommittee & Temporary Road Closure Subcommittee (Deputy Chair).

As well Leigh is the Community Development representative on Petone 2040, a community-led project to establish a comprehensive spatial strategy for the coordinated development and design of Petone and Moera, and is involved in the group keen to bring the High back into the Southend of High Street.

Then there are appointments to other ad hoc bodies like the Lower Hutt City Last Resort Trust and the Northern Community Panel.

Why did you decide to stand for Council?

My Dad Laurie Sutton was always very involved in the community with the local school and different organisations. He was also involved in politics at both the local and national level - for the Labour Party before the advent of Rogernomics! He was campaign manager for a local MP for a number of Parliamentary elections and our house was always campaign headquarters on Election Day. I always found it fascinating. At one point I was Treasurer of the Lower Hutt branch of the Junior Labour Party.

When I was 20 both Dad and I stood together (unsuccessfully). Dad for Council and me for the Health Board. Unfortunately, Dad missed out because in those days elections were citywide and the ballot paper alphabetical – the A’s and W’s always had the unfair advantage. Had there been a ward system as we have now Dad would have romped in.

 Election Day and casting your vote was always a special occasion in our family. I love billboards and polling booths. When we became old enough to vote Dad would give us all our riding instructions which we – most particularly Mum - ignored and we would all walk around the corner to the Pomare School Hall together to vote. I loved it.

It’s a shame this sense of occasion is no longer there for most people. Postal polling makes it difficult.

What do you enjoy most about Council?

It sounds trite but I like helping people and making things happen/making a difference.

It’s a great time to be on Council with the current programme of rejuvenation and investment in growth. I commend Mayor Ray Wallace, his Deputy David Bassett and the Community Facilities Trust on the great job they’ve done in leading this work despite the negativity from some around the Council Table.

There has been a real sea change in Lower Hutt which is now seen as a fashionable place to live, work and play.

What don’t you like about Council?

The intrusion of party politics and bloc voting at the expense of common sense decision making. Councillors showboating and playing up to the media for their own personal promotion rather for any discernible benefit to the city.

[shazlyrasheed]

Coffee with Shazly, with the American Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa.

Scott Philip Brown was born on 12 September 1959 in York County, Maine, USA. He is an American attorney, diplomat, and Republican politician serving as the United States Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. Ambassador Brown graduated from High School in 1977, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, 1981 and a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School in 1985. While studying Law at Boston College, he took a little break to pursue modelling. He won Cosmopolitan magazine's "America's Sexiest Man" contest. The Cosmopolitan appearance and its fees helped him to pay for the law school. Ambassador Brown met his wife Gail who was also a very well-known model in Boston, while he was perusing his modelling career. Gail was a news anchor when they got married in 1986. They have two daughters Ayla (American Idol semi-finalist) and Arianna. Ambassador Brown served as a member of the Massachusetts General Court, first in the State House of Representatives and then in the State Senate. Ambassador Brown joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard when he was 19. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. In August 2012, he was promoted to Colonel in a private ceremony by Senator John McCain. He officially retired from the Army in May 2014 after 35 years of service and was awarded the Legion of Merit, that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. After the 2009 death of long time Senator Ted Kennedy, Ambassador Brown announced he was going to run for the US Senate. He polled far behind his opponent for several months, but closed the gap and won the seat as a Republican in a very Democratic state. Ambassador Brown was sworn into office on February 4, 201,0 and served a full term until he was defeated in 2012 elections. Ambassador Brown was hired by Fox News as an on-air contributor after the defeat of his 2012 election. In April 2017 Ambassador Brown was nominated by President Donald Trump to be the next United States Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. He was confirmed by the Senate as Ambassador to New Zealand on 8 June 2017 and arrived in New Zealand in June 25. He was confirmed as Ambassador to Samoa a month later. Ambassador Brown is a keen triathlete, had competed in many triathlons. According to the Ambassador when he run, bike or swim his mind clears. He is also a self-taught guitarist who enjoys his passion for music. Ambassador Brown can be often seen in Lower Hutt riding his bike, in the gym or in a local café. In my interview with him, I found him very humble, charming and a real gentlemen.

Highlight of your career? Been appointed as US Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, it’s different being a politician compared to diplomat.

Most challenging time in your career? When I lost the big political recess and what you do after, how you handle it and how you bounce back from those loses, is a true testament of what you are made of. People think when you lose life is over but life just begins and there are so many opportunities. I learned so many new things, I took up cycling and learned how to make sushi and to play the guitar. I have done some things which I never would have done.

Best thing about your job? Meeting new and interesting people, travelling around the world. Going to Antarctica and meeting the Kiwis and the Americans at their two respected bases was very interesting. The ability to represent the United States here and convey our thoughts and planes and ideas and concerns that has been a lot of fun.

Favourite ‘cheap and cheerful meal’? Fish and Chips.

Favourite cuisine? Seafood and BBQ.

Favourite website? Any website to do with guitars probably. I am always searching for various music sites, learn new songs. Lots of the websites involve tutorials one of them is Justin Guitars.

Favourite drink? Vodka with a bit of soda and slash of cranberry, it only has 69 calories and it taste good.

Favourite Gadget? Guitars and bicycles, if they are considered gadgets.

Dress code? Casual.

Where do you like to shop? I’m a guy, I very rarely like to shop. When I do I can literary shop in 30 seconds and I’m out of there. I like buying records, I have found records that I would have never found in the States, in really good condition. It is a fun thing I like to do.

Celebrity crush? Woman would be J-Lo and the man would be Denzel Washington.

Favourite holiday destination? Right now it is home, because I’m here. If we were home, it would be Aruba.

How do you unwind? Athletics and Music. I like the outdoors.

Favourite music? 80’s Rock and Roll.

What famous person you would most likely invite for a dinner party?

Dead would be Jesus, JFK or Princess Di. Alive would be, President Trump, Shaquille O'Neal (I want see how much he can eat), and then NZ PM and partner Clarke.

What makes you angry? People not getting facts. Making judgments based on rumour and not getting a fare go.

What’s the biggest risk you have ever taken? Running for the United State Senate in a highly Democratic State.

Describe someone who inspires you and why? There are so many people that I have a lot of respect for. Locally, Barrett Brothers, their whole family legacy is extremely inspirational. My daughter Arianna. Politically, Ronald Regan’s legacy and Senator John McCain. .

Most rewarding personal achievement? Being married for 32 years and having two great kids.

One piece of advice you would like to give someone following your footsteps? Have a thick skin and whatever you do enjoy it.

What do you love most about the Hutt Valley? I love the openness, riding my bike, running along the Hutt River, jumping the water at the Days Bay or Petone, hitting the market on a Saturday and friendless of the people. I feel like we have lived here forever.

Favourite holiday destination in NZ? Queenstown.

One thing you are very proud of in your life? Gail and I raising two honest, hardworking good kids

Shazly Rasheed is the Director of Shazly Experience Hair and Wellness and columnist for the Vibrant Hutt Magazine

[shazlyrasheed]

Coffee with Shazly, with the owner of Buzz Restaurant Michael Gray.

Michael Gray was born and raised in Lower Hutt to a family of 4 siblings and went to school in Naenae.

Michael started out as a trainee Chef at the Wellington Airport which didn’t work out. He then got an apprenticeship with TV Chef Des Britten. He trained Michael in his 5-star restaurant. Michael then moved to Wairarapa and worked in the Hospitality and Food Industry before returning back to Lower Hutt. He has been in the food and Hospitality Industry for 45 years.

Michael started his first business with his wife Hilary, at Squidley’s Seafood Unit in the original food court in Queensgate in 1995 and it later added Country Fried Chicken to the menu. Even though he was a Chef he had to master the art of making fish and chips. It was a very successful first attempt in business. In December 1999 their very successful restaurant Buzz was born in Waterloo Road. Michael believes the highlight of Buzz was its 22 staff and it was always buzzing. All you can eat pancakes put Buzz on the map in the Lower Hutt food scene. Buzz was a good place to be and people felt comfortable. Buzz won the Best Small Business and the Supreme Award in 2007.  After travelling around Europe Michael decided to spread his horizon and with the food inspiration of Spain, Italy and France Michael and Hilary decided to sell Buzz and Speak Easy Restaurant and function room was born in 2009. Speak Easy to this date was the most luxurious Restaurant that Lower Hutt ever saw. It had tapas, a la carte menu with the most amazing cocktails to choose from. It was beautifully presented with attention to detail, designed by Michael and Hilary. Unfortunately with the recession and Michael believes ‘it was before its time’. People didn’t quite understand the concept of it. According to Michael, it was great when it was great and it was hard when it was quiet. In the end, Michael decided to walk away from it. He still holds on to what he did achieve there. It was hard he said, hard to get over it. But like a true entrepreneur he believed in himself and kept working hard and he had a plan. Michael did a bit of soul searching after that, helped establish some restaurants for people, worked few jobs in hospitality and got a whole new perspective.                

An opportunity came to ironically go back into the Mall and Michael and Hillary were asked to run a cafe and later they had the option to go into that business with a business partner. After turning that business into a success, they saw the opportunity to re-band it to Buzz as that is what people saw them as. It started growing and buzzing and they needed another kitchen. While they were searching for the kitchen they saw another opportunity for a second Buzz even though they were a bit spectacle as it was ‘the dead end of the town’ they took over the new premises and decided to back themselves.

Michael decided if they want to move forward from their testing times of the last 9 year years they had to take the plunge back into the game. Michael believes the success of this business will be partly the success of the environment surrounding it and he has been working hard to bring the Hi back to High Street.

The Earthquake came and they didn’t renew the lease in the Mall.  Michael and his business partners decided to concentrate on the new premises and bring the Buzz back to town. As hard at it was Michael decided to not live in the past and focus on the new place. In the 9 years of not running the businesses, Michael and Hillary notice how much the hospitality scene has changed. The biggest thing Michael has learnt from all this now is the word perception, how I am perceived, how the business is perceived and what do they see it as perception. Michael strives all the time to keep that perception, have fun, enjoy and serve good food.

With the heartbreaking closedown of Speak Easy and the soul-searching he did, Michael always believed he will come back to the Hutt restaurant scene. With his passion for food, hard work, and determination and not to give up on his dream, he has brought the Buzz back to Lower Hutt and he has definitely contributed hugely to the success of the ‘dead end of the town’. Despite people telling him to open in Wellington, his heart was in the Hutt. He is a true Hutt boy.

Highlight of your career?                                                

Winning best small business and supreme award. Opening Speak Easy.

Most challenging time in your career?                  

Definitely Speak Easy and now.                                                    

Best thing about your job?                                                

I get to do what I enjoy.                                              

Favourite restaurant?                                                        

Pickle and Pie.                                                  

Favourite ‘cheap and cheerful meal’?                    

Curry.                                                                        

Favourite cuisine?                                                                

Spanish.                                                              

Favourite website?                                                  

Pinterest.                                                                    

Favourite drink?                                                          

Latte and Pinot Noir.                                                                

Favourite Gadget?                                                      

Cell Phone.                                                                

Dress code?                                                                        

Shirts are my thing.  

Where do you like to shop?                                                

Shirt shops.                                                                        

Celebrity crush?                                                                

Julia Roberts.                                                              

Favourite holiday destination?                                        

Nice, France.                                                                        

How do you unwind?                                                        

Sitting down with Hilary and watching home shows and Master Chef.                  

Favourite music?                                                                  

50’s rock and roll, blues and jazz.                                    

What famous person you would most likely invite for a dinner party? 

Elvis.                                                                                    

What makes you angry?                                          

Frustration.                                                                  

What’s the biggest risk you have ever taken?                

Speak Easy, I put my heart and soul and our savings.            

Describe someone who inspires you and why?                    

My wife Hilary, she’s been there for me all the way. I’m the dreamer and she is the practical one, and I didn’t listen to her concerns.

Most rewarding personal achievement?                  

Marrying Hilary.                                                                  

One piece of advice you would like to give someone following your footsteps?  

Do the hard yards. Be careful                                                          

What has been the biggest change in the food scene?    

It is still happening, it is a work in progress and the perception of Lower Hutt that you don’t go there to eat.  There are great Café’s and there are now some good night restaurants that are happening that will change the vibe and the perception.                                            

You are very involved in the CBD business community, what is your vision for the Hutt Valley?                                    

I want to bring the Hi back to High Street. Make Lower Hutt stand out from the crowd and bring people back.                      

One thing you are very proud of in your life?                      

Been myself, I am who I am.

Shazly Rasheed is the Director of Shazly Experience Hair and Wellness and columnist for the Vibrant Hutt Magazine 

[shazlyrasheed]

Coffee with Shazly, with Sir John Clarke who was knighted earlier this year for his service to Maori heritage and preservation

Sir John Clarke is one of 12 siblings born in Te Araroa to very hard working parents to whom he credits his work ethic and values. Sir John started his career in education as a teacher and focused on finding a place for Maori language and culture in New Zealand schools to help Maori progress. In his 20 years of teaching and leading schools in the country he contributed hugely to our education system. In the 70’s as the Head of Maori Language at Wainuiomata College, Sir John introduced Maori language to the school which became the first urban state school to pioneer the Language in New Zealand. He also held the role of principal of Wellington High and Community Institute with its 7000 students, 21 ethnic groups and approximately 450 staff. Sir John was seconded to the Department of Education as a principal advisor at a time when they were restructuring the whole Education System to “Tomorrows Schools’. One of Sir John’s roles was to inform Maori, Pacific Island and different multi ethnic groups of the new structure. He was later given the challenge, as head of the Ministry of Maori Affairs, to bring the Treaty of Waitangi and its principles into public policy and to monitor other government departments. During that time Maori language was made an official language of New Zealand and the Waitangi Tribunal’s jurisdiction was extended. Sir John was involved in 30 treaty settlements and part of eight major inquiries around the country. He also served as a Group Manager at the Department of Justice for a short time before he was asked to become the Race Relations Conciliator and Human Rights Commissioner from 1992 to 1996. Sir John also chairs the Maori Heritage Council of New Zealand and has worked on implementing the new 2014 Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act. In 2011 he received a CNZM (Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit) for services to Maori. In 2018 Sir John was knighted in the New Year Honours List for services to Maori and Heritage Preservation. Currently, Sir John works as a consultant to the Crown and serves on different boards and trusts. He is a true family man and has been married to Lady Kathy Clarke for 49 years and lives in Lower Hutt. He has three children and six grandchildren of whom he is very proud. Sir John is very musical and loves playing the guitar and the piano and is often known to sing at family gatherings. I was truly impressed with his work and his humble personality evident in my interview with him.                                                                                

Highlight of your career? Feeling that the work I have been involved in has made a difference to people’s lives. Most challenging time in your career? Race Relations Conciliator 1992-96. There were so many issues impacting on our society at the time, 70s to the 90s was a watershed period for race relations in NZ. Rapid change to the ethnic mix of New Zealand society, treaty grievances at a critical point and socio-economic disparities came into sharper focus. Best thing about your job? Working in a range of environments with many dedicated people and achieving positive results. Favourite restaurant? Shed 5 on the Wellington Waterfront or Doyle’s Watson Bay Sydney. Favourite ‘cheap and cheerful meal’? K-Sing, Jackson Street. Petone. Favourite cuisine? Indian at Chillie Masala, High Street. Favourite website? YouTube. Favourite drink? Chardonnay. Favourite Gadget? Leaf Blower for the driveway and garden. Dress code? Something blue, something smart casual. Where do you like to shop? Queensgate Lower Hutt or David Jones Sydney Celebrity crush? Julia Roberts. Favourite holiday destination? Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terra, Italy. How do you unwind? Playing my guitar. Favourite music? Maori, jazz and light classical on YouTube. What famous person you would most likely invite for a dinner party? Nelson Mandela.

What’s the biggest risk you have ever taken? Taking on a job in a remote area for a significant time which turned out to be a major turning point in my career and for our family. Describe someone who inspires you and why? Sir Apirana Turupa Ngata – one of our great Maori leader. A parliamentarian, a scholar, a composer and an author. Ngata was a visionary and well respected by Maori and Pakeha. Most rewarding personal achievement? Being the recipient of the Knight Companion of the Order of New Zealand. Do you believe Maori Heritage is protected enough and Kiwi’s respect and celebrate the culture and Heritage as a country? There is definitely a more positive attitude towards Maori heritage and culture across Aotearoa New Zealand. There are encouraging signs of Maori language and culture being increasingly embraced as an integral part of our national identity. What has been your biggest contribution to New Zealand? Helping to build positive relationships between Maori and the Crown. What is your vision for Maori Heritage and Culture? The recognition, protection and conservation of Maori heritage and culture is the responsibility of all New Zealanders. What is one thing you are very proud of in your life? Our family.

[shazlyrasheed]

Coffee with Shazly, with Hutt-based Labour List MP Ginny Andersen

Ginny Andersen spent her early years on Great Barrier Island. She completed an MA in Political Science at Canterbury University. Ginny worked at the office of Treaty Settlements and speaks Maori fluently. Ginny was also a private secretary and senior political adviser in Parliament to several Labour MPs. Ginny worked for the New Zealand Police, including work as a policy unit manager from 2006 to 2017. She delivered action plans to reduce the harm associated with gangs, organised crime and methamphetamine. Ginny currently serves as a member on the Justice Select Committee and as Deputy-Chairperson of the Governance and Administration Select Committee.She previously served as the Labour Party's Vice-President from 2015 to 2017 when she stood down in order to focus on her parliamentary candidacy. In 2016 Ginny was elected as the Labour candidate for the Hutt South electorate for the 2017 election. Ginny narrowly missed gaining the electorate but entered into Parliament as a list member.Ginny moved to Wellington in 2002 and settled in the Hutt over ten years ago with her husband Geoff and their four children. She loves the Hutt Valley’s safe, close-knit communities and surroundings.

Highlight of your career?                                     

Becoming an MP.                                            

Most challenging time in your career? 

Balancing being an MP with being a mum and a wife. 

Juggling that work-life balance!                                                             

Best thing about your job?                                           

Helping people and changing people’s lives for better.                                  

Favourite restaurant?                                                         

Shine Café in Lower Hutt at the moment but it changes really regularly.

Favourite ‘cheap and cheerful meal’?                

Kilim in Petone.

Favourite cuisine?

Vietnamese.  

Favourite website? 

Stuff for news and Trade Me as I do a lot of online shopping.

Favourite drink?

 A good cup of Earl Grey tea.

Favourite Gadget?

iPhone and NutriBullet.

Dress code?

Comfy and jeans.

Where do you like to shop?

Queensgate or online.

Celebrity crush?

Don McGlashan.

Favourite holiday destination?

Surfing in Raglan where we went for our honeymoon.How do you unwind?                                                                                                                             Running, gym or yoga or a movie with the kids -- but not Frozen!

Favourite music?

Any kind of New Zealand music, garage rock.

What famous person you would most likely invite for a dinner party?

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

What makes you angry?

Seeing people who don’t treat others how they would like to be treated themselves.

What’s the biggest risk you have ever taken?

Marrying Geoff!!

Describe someone who inspires you and why?

Geoff, my husband, who has given me so much support to become an MP and works full-time and helps to run our house. I couldn’t do what I do without his love and support.

Most rewarding personal achievement?

Having my children and watching them grow.

One piece of advice you would like to give someone following your footsteps?                                                                                                                               Don’t take yourself too seriously.What has been your biggest contribution to the Hutt Valley?

Seeing the development of new housing and mental health training funded.

What is your vision for the Hutt?

That every family has got a warm dry home and that the kids are happy safe and healthy. One thing you are very proud of in your life?

Having the career I’ve always wanted and having a family. Every day I continue to strive to get that balance right but I reckon we do a pretty good job.

Shazly Rasheed is the Director of Shazly Experience Hair and Wellness and columnist for the Vibrant Hutt Magazine

[shazlyrasheed]

Coffee with Shazly, with the equal pay champion and New Zealander of the year 2018, Kristine Bartlett.

For this issue, I sat down with the courageous equal pay fighter and New Zealander of the Year 2018 Kristine Bartlett.

 Kristine Bartlett was born and raised in Lower Hutt. She comes from a family of six siblings. Kristine went to Pomare Primary, Taita intermediate and Naenae College.                                                                                                                                                                         Kristine did a care giving course at Polytech before she started working at Riverleigh Residential Care 25 years ago as an aged care worker. She loves waking up at 5.30am every morning and she can’t wait to get to work because she loves what she does. For her it’s caring, loving, supporting, and being there for our older person. They are like her family and that is how she looks at her work.                                                                                                                                                                                                         In 2012, Kristine lodged an application with the Employment Relations Authority that she was not receiving equal pay as per the Equal Pay Act of 1972 after working in the industry for 20 years been on minimum wage. She argued she had worked for 20 years for very low pay because aged care work is largely performed by women. Over a 5 yearlong battle, the case was heard in New Zealand's Employment Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Finally in 2017, a settlement was reached which raised wages for workers in residential aged care, disability support services and home support services.                                                                   Kristine scored a victory for 55,000 people mainly female colleagues. For Kristine it was a bit overwhelming at times securing the $2 billion Government settlement for care and support worker across the country. Her hard work saw her and her colleagues pay, which was just over the minimum wage, $15.75, jump to $23.50, with further pay rises over five years to $27 an hour.    

In 2017, Kristine won the Next Woman of the Year Supreme Award. This year Kristine was awarded the prestigious title New Zealander of the Year. "No matter what you do or what you want, you stand up for your rights cos in the end you can win it." Kristine.                                                                                                                                                                                                               Kristine has 1 daughter, 2 sons and 6 grandchildren and she has lived in Lower Hutt all her life.

Highlight of your career?                                                                                                                                                                                    Winning the equal pay case.                                                                                                                                                                                Most challenging time in your career?                                                                                                                                                      Trying to get a pay increase for myself and my colleagues.                                                                                                                                   Best thing about your job?                                                                                                                                                                                 Just knowing I give all my love and support to our older person and at the end of the day been rewarded with a lovely smile.                                                            

Favourite restaurant?                                                                                            

Taste Amazing                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Favourite ‘cheap and cheerful meal’?                                                                                                                                                               Noodles, silver beat and eggs mixed together with soya sauce.                                                                                                               Favourite cuisine?                                                                                                                                                                                           Chinese                                                                                                                                                                                                        Favourite website?                                                                                                                                                                                            Google.                                                                                                                                                                                                           Favourite drink?                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cup of tea                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Favourite Gadget?                                                                                                                                                                                         Bread maker.                                                                                                                                                                                                     Dress code?                                                                                                                                                                                                Loose tops and tights.                                                                                                                                                                              Where do you like to shop?                                                                                                                                                                                    Garden centres                                                                                                                                                                                             Celebrity crush?                                                                                                                                                                                               George Clooney.                                                                                                                                                                                       Favourite holiday destination?                                                                                

Fiji                                                                                                                          

How do you unwind?                                                                                                

Doing gardening and baking                                                                                    

Favourite music?                                                                                                      

Country Western and the Blues.                                                                            

What famous person you would most likely invite for a dinner party?                    

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.                                                                                

What makes you angry?                                                                                          

Injustice.                                                                                                                  

What’s the biggest risk you have ever taken?                                                        

Getting married for the third time, and that didn’t work                                            

Describe someone who inspires you and why?                                                      

Kate Sheppard, she fought a hard and powerful campaign for New Zealand to be the first country in the world for women to be able to vote.                                

Most rewarding personal achievement?                                                                  

Winning this case, most definitely.                                                                        

What was it like winning the equal pay battle?                                                        

Absolutely incredible because it brought thousands of low paid women out of poverty, they have got a bit of dignity and hope in their lives now.                        

How has your life changed since?                                                                          

Firstly I have no time for myself now, so many invitations for speaker engagements. I got to have a diary, I need a secretary now.                                  

How do you want to be remembered?                                                                    

Never be afraid, stand up for your rights, and justice will prevail.                            

One thing you are very proud of in your life?                                                        

Raising my children as a solo mother.

Shazly Rasheed is the Director of Shazly Experience Hair and Wellness and columnist for the Vibrant Hutt Magazine 

[shazlyrasheed]

Coffee with Shazly with Deborah Hislop, from Gillespie Young Watson

For this issue, I sat down with the very energetic Deborah Hislop, from Gillespie Young Watson, a true advocate for Hutt businesses.

 Deborah was born in Lumsden in Southland and moved to Auckland when she was 4 years old. She then moved to Kaitaia. When she was 12 years old her family moved to Lower Hutt and she has lived in Lower Hutt since.                        Deborah went to Teachers College and started training as a teacher and did a bit of relieving but soon realised teaching was not for her. She then started working as a Legal Secretary and went on to do Legal Executive work, when her children were small, at Gillespie, Young and Co now known as Gillespie Young Watson. Deborah has worked there for the last 35 years. Deborah was offered the position of Practice Manager nearly 18 years ago. Deborah also writes a Column for the Vibrant Hutt magazine, which started as ‘Deborah on High’ promoting High Street Businesses. Her column has expanded beyond High Street and has become a spotlight on local businesses in the Hutt Valley.                                      Deborah also served on the Central Ward Committee for 6 years and then became a City Councillor for the Central Ward. She stood down in 2010 as she felt that working fulltime and being a Councillor as well meant she was missing out on important family life.  She loved the challenge of being a Councillor for the Hutt. Deborah truly believes the key to a successful city is economic development and that you have to support the businesses. Deborah also served on the Board of Hutt 2000 which later became CBD Plus. Deborah lives in Lower Hutt and has two grown up children and 6 grandchildren.  In my interview with Deborah, I felt her passion for Hutt City and to our local businesses.                                

Highlight of your career?                                                                                                            

When I was offered the position of Practice Manager at Gillespie Young Watson. I have loved the variety and challenge of the role ever since.                                                      

Most challenging time in your career?                  

When I became a City Councillor while still working fulltime in my day job.  The hours needed to be a Councillor are far more than most would realise and I was regularly working 70 – 80 hours a week in order to fulfil both roles.  While it was challenging I absolutely loved it.                                                    

Best thing about your job?                                          

Every day is different.  I love the variety involved in running a law firm.                                            

Favourite restaurant?                                                        

I don’t really have one but the most memorable meaI I had in recent times at a restaurant was at The Ortega Fish Shack. Special occasion, front window, complimentary champagne and a delicious meal.  Very special.                                                                                                                    

Favourite ‘cheap and cheerful meal’?                

My husband Kevin’s homemade Thai Red Curry.                                                

Favourite cuisine?                                                      

I love delicious food of any type!                  

Favourite website?                                          

Anything real estate or fashion.                  

Favourite drink?                                                  

This summer it has been a really icy cold gin and tonic.                                                                

Favourite Gadget?                                                

My iPhone.                                                          

Dress code?                                                          

Whatever suits me. I always try to look professional for work but enjoy getting into my casuals for the weekend and at home.  No matter what though I always wear my makeup.                                  

Where do you like to shop?                            

Locally in Lower Hutt and Wellington but if I’m on holiday I always browse and usually buy something.  Browsing and shopping is a bit of a hobby of mine.                                                  

Celebrity crush?                                                        

Tom Cruise.                                                      

Favourite holiday destination?              

Anywhere warm and by the water with my family                                                                          

How do you unwind?                                                

I love to be outside in the fresh air riding my bike, gardening and also reading and browsing the shops.                                                            

Favourite music?                                          

Upbeat and fun music from the 60s, 70s and 80s.  I love Abba!                                              

What famous person you would most likely invite for a dinner party?                              

Michael McIntyre.  I love to laugh and he is so funny.  I would be disappointed if he turns out to be a yawn when he’s not on stage which is always possible.                                                

What makes you angry?                                

Apathy.                                                            

What’s the biggest risk you have ever taken?  

I’m not a huge risk taker.  I tend to be more considered and careful.                            

Describe someone who inspires you and why?  

I am inspired by a number of women who continue to be vibrant and working well into their prime. Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Paula Ryan and Helen Clark are all examples.            

Most rewarding personal achievement?  

Carrying out my role in my day job while working hard as a City Councillor for 6 years.                                  

What is it like working with lawyers?    

Obviously I must enjoy it as I have been working with them for 35 years. The lawyers I work with are all excellent at what they do but are also approachable, funny and good team members.          

What has been your biggest contribution to the Hutt Valley?  

I guess waking the Council up to the lack of care they were taking with keeping Lower Hutt looking as it should.  Back in the late 90s, as a private resident, I took a presentation to the Council asking them to open their eyes and look at the city as if they had never been here before.  I then gave a presentation of more than 40 images showing how untidy and lack lustre the City was looking.  I was then asked to run for council and after being elected a major component of my mission was to make the City better both in the way it looked and the way it worked.  I was an Urban Plan champion and a Keep Hutt City Beautiful member.            

What is your vision for the Hutt Valley?            

For it to be a place where people love to live, where they can rely on the City to provide for their needs and where they feel part of a community that is safe and fun for young and old alike.  To do this we must ensure that businesses thrive and that we can be a self-sufficient and vital City                                                                  

One thing you are very proud of in your life?                                                                          

My amazing family, they are my everything and I’m proud of them all.

Shazly Rasheed is the Director of Shazly Experience Hair and Wellness and columnist for the Vibrant Hutt Magazine

[shazlyrasheed]

Coffee with Shazly, with the Leader of New Zealand National Party Hon Bill English  Dec/Jan Issue 2018

For this issue, I sat down with the Leader of the opposition Rt Hon Bill English

 Rt Hon Bill English was born Simon William English and known to New Zealand as Bill English. He is the second-youngest of twelve siblings. He was born in Lumsden in Southland.

Bill attended St Thomas's School in Winton before he went to board at St. Patrick's College in Upper Hutt. He played for the first 15 of the school's rugby team. Bill studied Commerce at the University of Otago and completed an honours degree in English literature at Victoria University.

After finishing his studies, Bill returned to Dipton and farmed for a few years.

Bill joined the National Party in 1980 and was elected to Parliament in 1990. Bill has held many Cabinet roles during his time in Parliament.

In 2001 Bill was elected as the leader of the National party. In the 2002 election National had its worst electoral defeat and Bill described it as ‘the worst day of my political life’. But like any determined leader, he got up again.

Bill became the Finance Minister during the wake up to the Global Financial Crisis. The recession was painful and the financial market dislocations were disruptive and damaging. Bill took some bold measures focussing on improving the business environment and removing roadblocks to growth, investment in productive infrastructure and improving the way Government works. During his time as the Finance Minister, he made budget deficit-reduction his main priority. Strong growth resulted in a surplus of $473 million for the 2015/16 financial year, projected to rise to $8.5 billion by 2020/21. With his extremely hard work, New Zealand is back to where we were before the crisis. He also guided us through the Christchurch earthquakes and dealt with tough social problems.

In December 2016 after the resignation of Sir John Key, Bill took the leadership of the National Party becoming the 39th Prime Minister of New Zealand.

 Bill met his wife Mary and they have been married 30 years. They met at university while Mary was studying medicine and both knew they wanted to do big things together in life and wanted to have a big family. They have six children – five sons and one daughter.            

In my interview with Bill, he came across as gentle and genuinely interested in people and not to forget, he has a good sense of humour too. He is so humble and down to earth. When he talks about his wife, children and his love of everyday people who do amazing things that have inspired him, I saw the leader that 44.4% of New Zealanders fell in love with over the campaign trail.      

Highlight of your career?                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Period as Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Most challenging time in your career?

Probably after the 2002 election.

Best thing about your job?

The endless variety of topics and people that a politician deals with every day and every day is different.

Favourite Restaurant?

Genghis Khan, Marjoribanks St.

Favourite ‘cheap and cheerful meal?

Genghis Khan.

Favourite cuisine?

Traditional Kiwi.

Favourite website?

Arts & Letters Daily.

Favourite drink?

Speights Old Dark

Favourite Gadget?

Electric carving knife.

Where do you like to shop?

Supermarket and Shopping Centres.

Celebrity crush?

Julia Roberts.                              

Dress code?

Suits, well-fitted suits.

How do you unwind?

Chatting with my family in my lounge.

Favourite music?

I really like Choral music. Love listening to young people sing in Choirs and I have listened to it a lot.

What famous person you would most likely invite to a dinner party?

Prince Harry

What makes you angry?

Bureaucratic disregard for vulnerable people makes me angry.                                                                                                                                                       What is the most adventurous thing you have done?

Getting married was and is my biggest adventure

Most rewarding personal achievement?

My family and having the privilege of raising 6 children.

What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?  

There is a lot of risk in politics.                                                                                                                                                                                                   Describe someone who inspires you and why?                                                                                                                                                                                    In our job you regularly meet people quietly inspirational, through their personal courage, enterprise or achievement. We are lucky we meet them all the time. Recently I met this lady who had twin boys who are disabled, aged 15 at the Special Olympics, it must be so hard but she was smiling away. That’s inspiring.

What is your biggest concern about the current government?

That it will squander New Zealand’s strong position.

 Favourite holiday destination?

Somewhere warm.

One advice you like to give for someone following your footsteps?

Take your job seriously but don’t take yourself too seriously.

What has been your biggest contribution to New Zealand?

One that matters to me most is of course family. I have had the privilege of having senior political positions and I would like to think I have used the opportunity well.

What is your vision for New Zealand?

A prosperous, fair and confident country.

What is one thing you are very proud of in your life?

I am very proud of my lovely spouse and my awesome children.

Shazly Rasheed is the Director of Shazly Experience Hair and Wellness and columnist for the Vibrant Hutt Magazine