Latest news with #LDR
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Its my first Fringe since moving to Edinburgh, here are the things I'm preparing for
While I lived in Edinburgh for a couple of years previously, it was during 2020 and 2021 when the festival was either cancelled altogether or attempting online shows and less crowded venues. Now that I'm back, this year will be my first time living in the city while the chaos of full throttle Fringe is unfolding around me. Here are the things I'm looking forward to most and also what I'm preparing for as I get ready for my first Fringe in the city. 1 . Lothian Buses facebook scam The main thing I am preparing for is the time it will take to travel anywhere in the city. From crammed buses and trams to busy streets I'll be adding an extra half an hour my journeys. | LDR Photo Sales 2 . Pic Lisa Ferguson 07/08/2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2015 - High Street, Royal Mile, Street Act, Street Performers I'm most excited to see the streets filled with wacky performances and vibrant colours. Photo: Lisa Ferguson Photo Sales 3 . Weird and wonderful It'll also be my first time experiencing the shows on offer and I'm most excited to see some shows that are more baffling than anything else. Photo: Neil Hanna Photo Sales 4 . Complain about the number of tourists during the Fringe Edinburgh is a tourist hotspot as it is so I'm preparing to embrace the crowds or work my way around the outskirts of the city. | Third Party Photo: Third Party Photo Sales
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Ngāti Porou CEO George Reedy resigns after four years
Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou has announced the resignation of its chief executive officer George Reedy. Photo: LDR/Paul Rickard Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou chief executive George Reedy has resigned after years of leading the organisation. His resignation will take effect on August 1, Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou (Tronp) confirmed. Reedy served as chief executive across four of the group's entities: Tronp, Ngāti Porou Oranga and Toitū Ngāti Porou. Mayor Rehette Stoltz said she had the utmost respect for Reedy and his departure from the role would be a significant loss for the region. Council chief executive Nedine Thatcher-Swann said it had been a privilege to work alongside Reedy, and on behalf of council staff she wished him "all the very best in whatever comes next". "It is not often you cross paths with someone whose leadership blends mana, humility and sharp strategic thinking, and that's the kind of leader George Reedy is." Reedy was instrumental in forging a strong relationship between the Rūnanganui and council, she said. His leadership was evident through joint efforts in regional economic development planning and civil defence emergency management, "spaces where trust and collaboration matter most", Thatcher Swann said. Reedy's vision and drive led to the creation of over 150 new jobs and a significant increase in their contracted income, Ngati Porou Tiamana (chairman) Patrick Tangaere said in a statement. "It is with both gratitude and regret that I announce the resignation." Under Reedy's leadership, the iwi navigated "some of the most challenging and turbulent periods", including the Covid-19 pandemic and cyclones Hale and Gabrielle, he said. "George played a pivotal role in the establishment of Ngāti Porou Oranga and the expansion of health, housing and social services for our whānau and communities of Te Tairāwhiti." Tangaere also acknowledged Reedy's role in strengthening Ngāti Porou's strategic relationships with local and national iwi, across government and with other key stakeholders. Reedy left Napier to come home and take up the position, he said. "It was a powerful expression of his service to his iwi, reaffirming his dedication to the people and whenua of Te Tairāwhiti," Tangaere said. The statement did not give a reason for Reedy's resignation. Reedy has been approached for comment. East Coast National MP Dana Kirkpatrick said it had been a privilege to work alongside Reedy, having known him for a few years. They had been delighted with the work he had overseen at the Puhi Kai Iti Community Health Centre, and recently with creating its urgent and after-hours care, which was significant for the people of Ngāti Porou and the region, she said. "He has served the community well, and it has been an honour to work with him." LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Qatar Tribune
19-07-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Las Damas de Rizal - Doha celebrates 1st Chartering Anniversary
Tribune news Network Doha The Las Damas de Rizal (LDR) - Doha Chapter marked a historic milestone on July 11, 2025, with a spectacular Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony at the Holiday Villa Hotel, celebrating its 1st Chartering Anniversary in magnificent style. The event, gracefully hosted by Lady Antoniette David, brought together members and distinguished guests for a night of elegance, solemn rites, and joyful celebration. The program commenced with a grand entrance as the ladies paid tribute to the Philippines' national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, followed by an Invocation led by Auditor, Lady Sheila Marie Cantos. The Qatar and Philippine National Anthems were performed via AVP, and the LDR Hymn resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the organization's mission. Lady Dr. Anne Binondo, President, delivered her welcome address, reflecting on the chapter's achievements and the enduring relevance of Rizal's ideals. A special video message from Lady Lina Brosas, Founder and Lady Grand Matriarch, connected the Doha chapter to the global LDR community. A highlight of the evening was the Elevation of Officers to Lady Officer of Rizal (LOR) and Exaltation of Lady Dr. Anne as Lady Premier of Rizal (LPR), officiated by Lady Dr. Aileen Villanueva, who also gave her Message as the Lady Premier Regional, MEAR. This was followed by the induction of 16 new members in a mesmerizing Grand Cotillion de Honor. The solemn oath-taking, candle lighting, and pinning of insignia highlighted their commitment to Rizal's legacy which was facilitated by Lady Dr Anne and Lady Dr Richelle Arugay, VP Internal Affairs. Lady Victoria Bedon gave the Message of Commitment on behalf of the newly inducted ladies and the Las Damas Pledge was recited by everyone led by Lady Maria Michelle Revillosa, Secretary. Special recognitions included Celso Dahil of Haute Couture for his exquisite Filipiniana designs, while Lady Rachel Chan was crowned Lady Mega Filipiniana Queen of the Night. Lady Grace Moran, VP External Affairs, hailed as the Best Dressed & Most Elegant, gave the Closing Remarks. The event concluded with a festive gala dinner, celebrating the chapter's achievements and strengthening bonds among its successful first anniversary, the Las Damas de Rizal Doha Chapter looks forward to a greater impact in promoting Rizal's ideals through education, culture, and service.
Scotsman
17-07-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Availability of disposable vapes in Edinburgh risks creating 'black market' says MSP
An MSP has warned that the widespread availability of disposable vapes in the Scottish capital risks creating a 'black market'. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The prevalence of disposable vapes in Edinburgh risks creating a 'black market' in the Capital, an MSP has warned. The comments follow a Local Democracy Reporting Service investigation which found shops across Edinburgh were still selling disposable vapes over a month after they were banned. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And a leading health charity has called their widespread availability across the city 'disappointing'. Edinburgh council has insisted it is enforcing the disposable vapes ban, and added it was currently seeking two banning orders for traders who have flouted the law. Local democracy reporter Joe Sullivan with the illegal vapes he was able to purchase from several Edinburgh shops. | LDR The city's trading standards team are currently investigating evidence passed on by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Miles Briggs, a list MSP for Lothian region, said: 'It is very concerning that the ban on disposable vapes is not being enforced properly in Edinburgh. The effects of these devices on people's health and the environment are serious, and shopkeepers who do not accept this must be held to account. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Police must work with local businesses to ensure that this new law is followed, and all disposable vapes are removed from shelves immediately. We cannot allow a black market to develop in our city.' Lothians Green MSP Lorna Slater said: 'Disposable vapes are a scourge on our environment. Before the ban 5 million were being thrown away every week in the UK, littering our streets, parks, rivers and beaches. 'Shops have had plenty of time to adjust their inventories. There's simply no excuse to still be selling these illegal products. It shows a clear lack of respect for the law and their local community. The illegal vapes which were purchased at Edinburgh shops despite being banned since June 1. | LDR 'The penalties for breaking this law can be steep. Now it's up to the Scottish Government to ensure enforcement teams are properly funded and equipped to crack down on those who are putting personal profit ahead of our environment and young people's health.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And Councillor Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill, the Green group co-leader, said: 'Disposables vapes are an environmental nightmare, and Greens firmly supported banning them. 'They create litter and reinforce the throwaway culture while having questionable health benefits so it's right we should see the back of them. 'However a ban is useless unless it is enforced, and the Local Democracy Reporting Service's investigation into this problem shows that enforcement in Edinburgh is practically non-existent. 'Unfortunately after years of austerity in local authority budgets, trading standards departments are under severe pressure, which may account for why so many stores in Edinburgh are apparently flouting the ban. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'But the Labour administration in Edinburgh need to get a grip on this problem and ensure resources are in place to ensure the ban is properly enforced. ' Our undercover investigation saw us purchase disposable vapes at seven shops in Edinburgh, with most of them displaying the vapes openly. At one, we saw none on the shelves, but we asked a shopkeeper if he had any. He obliged, placing ten on the counter for us to pick one. He told us: 'The only difference is the battery. But people still want these, they like the taste I think.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The same shopkeeper later denied selling us a disposable vape, and said the store did not stock any. Phil Doggart, a Conservative councillor for Liberton/Gilmerton ward, said: 'Any new legislation that introduces a ban or something, or restrictions on something, is only ever going to be as good as the enforcement around it. 'Not for the first time, the Scottish Government introduced something, and placed a responsibility on local authorities to deliver. 'From that perspective, if enforcement officers are unable to do anything around enforcing the vape ban, then it's not going to work. It's pointless legislation.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Councillor Doggart also noted that his party had won an additional £500,000 for trading standards enforcement in this year's budget. But he reiterated that placing extra responsibilities on local authorities without adding extra funding was bound to fail. The Scottish Government has set aside a £300,000 fund to enforce the ban, but to date none of it has been distributed to local authorities. Cosla and the government are currently in talks to determine how the funding will be distributed to Scotland's 32 local authorities. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad ASH Scotland, a health charity, called our investigation's findings 'deeply disappointing'. Sheila Duffy, the charity's chief executive, said: 'ASH Scotland welcomed the ban of cheap disposable e-cigarettes, which are still the starter recreational nicotine product for most youngsters. 'It is a vital first step towards reversing the alarming upsurge of children vaping in Scotland during the last few years. 'It is deeply disappointing that some retailers have not been adhering to these new regulations, which came into effect at the start of June. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It is vital that trading standards teams are supplied with sufficient funding to effectively enforce the new regulations as a matter of urgency to protect public health and the environment.' She also said that the charity wanted to see quicker progress at Westminster over a proposed ban on flavoured vapes. A committee report from trading standards officers, presented to councillors in May, said that the service needed more funding to enforce the ban without degrading other enforcement activities. A Council spokesperson said: 'Whilst the committee report highlighted pressures on the service, it clearly outlined the success of the teams in terms of seizures of illegal vapes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Recently, the Council has been in court enforcing the legislation by seeking two banning orders for traders who have flouted the law. All reports are taken seriously and will be investigated with action if required.' In many shops we visited, shopkeepers acknowledged the vapes were illegal, saying that they were trying to eliminate stock and make up for the fact that refill pods are not yet widespread. However, in some, people working the tills seemed to be confused by the ban. At one store, a shopkeeper appeared to legitimately believe that the vape we bought there was disposable. A different worker at the same store believed the same thing when we came back a couple days later, saying they had got the disposable units in two weeks prior. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Many companies have brought in reusable vapes which have the same design and flavours of their old disposable ones, at a similar price point. Even where refill pods are available, they are often priced at a similar level to a new reusable vape. Some vape users have continued buying a new reusable vape, which comes with a refill pod already in the unit, and then throwing it away after it is consumed. The ban was brought in to help fight littering and improve public health, with the Scottish ban part of a nationwide effort. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The legislation, and punishments, for breaching the ban differ in each of the four nations, but it came into effect in all of them on 1 June. Retailers had many months' notice to clear out existing stock ahead of the ban starting, with Scotland's ban delayed by two months to line up with the rest of the UK. In Scotland, retailers can be fined £200 for the first offence, with repeat offences drawing a higher sum. The maximum penalty is a criminal prosecution, with fines up to £5,000 and up to two years in prison.
Otago Daily Times
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
'People are angry with you': Seymour admits regulations contribute to ‘enormous rate rises'
Gore Mayor Ben Bell (left), Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour and Tararua district councillor Steve Wallace. Photo: David Hill / North Canterbury News via LDR Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour says there is no policy for local government reform - yet. In his speech to local government leaders in Christchurch today, Mr Seymour took a softer approach than expected, acknowledging pressures placed on local councils by central government. Council leaders told Local Democracy Reporting they felt more upbeat after his speech at the two-day Local Government New Zealand conference. It was a contrast to yesterday, when councillors said they felt like "the whipping boys" after a short video address from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and then Resource Management Act Reform Minister Chris Bishop putting a halt to council planning to stop "wasteful spending". In Mr Seymour's speech, he said the government has "no policy of changing the structure of local government" - contrary to recent political statements. But he acknowledged change could come out of the Resource Management Act reforms. Mr Seymour said he recognised regulations imposed by central government were helping to push up rates. "It is true that people are angry with you [councils] because of enormous rate rises, but many of the challenges councils face are enforced by statutory rules." He encouraged people to contact the "red tape tip-line" with any "unnecessary regulations". "I want to float the idea that we all want the same thing - and that is affordable and efficient government." Responding to a question from Gore Mayor Ben Bell, Mr Seymour admitted to "kicking the can down the road" to share goods and services tax (GST) on new builds with councils - a promise made by ACT during the 2023 general election. "We aren't going to lose sleep about it, because times are tough." But it remained on the agenda, he said. Councils have been asking the government for the GST to be shared in a bid to create more revenue to help with rising costs. Mr Seymour said city and regional deals would lead to better co-ordination between central and local government, creating more efficiencies and cost savings. Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams said he felt councils were being rapped over the knuckles by central government at the conference. "This year the tone has changed, where you are realising the pressure that local government is under financially from the statutory obligations of central government. "You're saying it to us here, but you are not saying it to the public." Mr Adams called on central government to share the message to the public that rising costs are pushing up rates. "We are working hard, we are trying ... that's not out there in the public." After the speech, Mr Seymour told LDR he wasn't taking a soft or hard approach to councils. "We should be collaborative," he said. - By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter • LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
