Latest news with #LouiseMiller
Tom's Guide
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I'm obsessed with this overlooked '80s teen movie — and it's streaming free on Tubi right now
Like many kids of the early '90s, I caught flashes of the enticing movie "Teen Witch" on cable: a girl in a floppy hat, glittery title cards and what looked like a low-budget attempt at "Clueless" with a broomstick. I never gave it a chance at the time because I was too young to appreciate what it was trying to do. But one night, as an adult in the middle of a nostalgia-fueled binge, I finally gave in. And I confirmed to myself that I should have done so years ago. "Teen Witch" is a time capsule of shoulder pads, charm spells, synth-pop ballads and teenage angst, all loosely glued together. It's a story about wish fulfillment, discovering you have secret powers and then using them in all the wrong ways. And while many might call it a simple "bad" movie, I realized that it just hasn't gotten the flowers it deserves as one of the best teen movies of the '80s. "Teen Witch" is streaming free on Tubi, so now would be a good time for you to check it out, too. Louise Miller, played by Robyn Lively (yes, Blake's older half-sister), is your typical overlooked teen. She's not popular, not fashionable, and not on anyone's radar, especially not Brad (Dan Gauthier), the dreamy football star. Her best friend Polly (Mandy Ingber) is loyal but similarly sidelined, and their days are filled with longing for boyfriends and coolness. That all changes on Louise's 16th birthday when she crosses paths with a mysterious fortune teller named Madame Serena (Zelda Rubinstein) and learns that she's descended from a powerful line of witches. Suddenly, the awkwardness she's always felt begins to make sense. She's magical, not just the "weird girl," and she can bend reality to her will. She can even cast spells to change her looks, her luck, and the way people see her. It's the ultimate teen fantasy, but as Louise quickly finds out, getting everything you thought you wanted comes with consequences. The magic can make her popular, sure, but it can't decide who she really wants to be. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. "Teen Witch" didn't do well when it premiered in 1989, the year I was born. Its box office earnings were low, and the critics weren't kind. But over time, it gained a second life through cable reruns, fan reappraisal and its status as a comfort watch for a generation who grew up with it. At first blush, it certainly sounds like your standard teen makeover plot, but the movie goes in directions you don't expect. There's a full-blown fantasy framework here, complete with enchanted amulets and spellcasting lessons, and it all works insanely well with the addition of the melodramatic teen problems surrounding it. There's a real sweetness at the center of "Teen Witch" with a belief in self-confidence that ran through many other shows, movies, and even cartoons at the time. Louise doesn't just want to be popular, she wants to be seen. Once she realizes she doesn't need magic to make that happen, the movie gets believable and even relatable. And perhaps more importantly, it's palatable, even the bizarre addition of the rap song "Top That," which has to be seen to be believed. This isn't just a quirky teen fantasy movie from the tail end of the '80s. "Teen Witch" is a glittery Lisa Frank notebook filled with heartfelt scribbles and teen wishes. It's a movie that plays by its own rules and never feels manufactured or cynical. Whether you're coming back to it after years or discovering it for the first time, now's the time to take a look. Watch "Teen Witch" free on Tubi
RNZ News
20-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Napier City Council restructure impacts more than 100 jobs
Napier City Council chief executive Louise Miller says the council is consulting with staff on a proposal to reshape its operation. Photo: Supplied Napier City Council has confirmed it is reviewing its structure and is consulting with staff on a proposal to reshape its operation. While it wouldn't confirm the number of staff involved, three separate sources have told Local Democracy Reporting the proposal impacts more than 100 jobs. While restructures were not uncommon in local government, a source told Local Democracy Reporting the scale of this one was significant, and many staff, some with decades of service, had been told their positions may no longer exist. "What's more concerning is that staff were reportedly warned not to speak to the media, raising questions about transparency and accountability in a publicly funded organisation." NCC chief executive Louise Miller said the council was reviewing its organisational structure and consulting with staff on a proposal to reshape its four directorates. "This consultation follows the restructuring of our executive leadership team in February, which reduced the number of directorates from five to four and resulted in the disestablishment of one executive director position," Miller said. "Several key factors are driving this proposed change, including direction from Central Government to prioritise core services, major reform initiatives such as Local Water Done Well and the need to identify a further $3 million in labour efficiencies for the 2025/26 financial year. "The proposed changes aim to create a more efficient, agile and responsive structure that is better equipped to meet these challenges," Miller said. One worker said the process has been handled in "an impersonal, top-down manner, with little regard for the human impact or the potential consequences for public service delivery". The restructure reportedly cites the commercialisation of key community facilities, including Ocean Spa, Par 2 Mini Golf, Kennedy Park Resort and the Napier Conference Centre as a key driver. An annual plan hearing and deliberation process is currently underway to determine the future of these facilities. A source said: "There are fears that essential community services may be reduced or outsourced without public consultation." Miller said the council acknowledged this was a difficult time for many of its staff, who are deeply committed to serving the Napier community. "Our priority is to work closely with those affected by the proposals, to listen to their feedback, and to ensure they are fully supported throughout this process," she said. As of 28 February 2025, Napier City Council employed 785 on an average full-time wage of $92,829 per annum. - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Napier City Council Restructure Impacts More Than 100 Jobs
Napier City Council has confirmed it is reviewing its structure and is consulting with staff on a proposal to reshape its operation. While it wouldn't confirm the number of staff involved, three separate sources have told Local Democracy Reporting [Hawke's Bay Today] the proposal impacts more than 100 jobs. While restructures were not uncommon in local government, a source told Local Democracy Reporting [Hawke's Bay Today] the scale of this one was significant, and many staff, some with decades of service, had been told their positions may no longer exist. 'What's more concerning is that staff were reportedly warned not to speak to the media, raising questions about transparency and accountability in a publicly funded organisation.' NCC chief executive Louise Miller said the council was reviewing its organisational structure and consulting with staff on a proposal to reshape its four directorates. 'This consultation follows the restructuring of our executive leadership team in February, which reduced the number of directorates from five to four and resulted in the disestablishment of one executive director position,' Miller said. 'Several key factors are driving this proposed change, including direction from Central Government to prioritise core services, major reform initiatives such as Local Water Done Well and the need to identify a further $3 million in labour efficiencies for the 2025/26 financial year. 'The proposed changes aim to create a more efficient, agile and responsive structure that is better equipped to meet these challenges,' Miller said. One worker said the process has been handled in 'an impersonal, top-down manner, with little regard for the human impact or the potential consequences for public service delivery'. The restructure reportedly cites the commercialisation of key community facilities, including Ocean Spa, Par 2 Mini Golf, Kennedy Park Resort and the Napier Conference Centre as a key driver. An annual plan hearing and deliberation process is currently underway to determine the future of these facilities. A source said: 'There are fears that essential community services may be reduced or outsourced without public consultation.' Miller said the council acknowledged this was a difficult time for many of its staff, who are deeply committed to serving the Napier community. 'Our priority is to work closely with those affected by the proposals, to listen to their feedback, and to ensure they are fully supported throughout this process,' she said. As of February 28, 2025, Napier City Council employed 785 on an average full-time wage of $92,829 per annum. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
NZ Herald
19-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Napier City Council restructure impacts more than 100 jobs, staff told not to go to media
Napier City Council (NCC) chief executive Louise Miller said the council was reviewing its organisational structure and consulting with staff on a proposal to reshape its four directorates. 'This consultation follows the restructuring of our executive leadership team in February, which reduced the number of directorates from five to four and resulted in the disestablishment of one executive director position,' Miller said. 'Several key factors are driving this proposed change, including direction from Central Government to prioritise core services, major reform initiatives such as Local Water Done Well and the need to identify a further $3 million in labour efficiencies for the 2025/26 financial year. 'The proposed changes aim to create a more efficient, agile and responsive structure that is better equipped to meet these challenges.' One worker said the process has been handled in 'an impersonal, top-down manner, with little regard for the human impact or the potential consequences for public service delivery'. The restructure reportedly cites the commercialisation of key community facilities, including Ocean Spa, Bay Skate, Kennedy Park Resort and the Napier Conference Centre as a key driver. An annual plan hearing and deliberation process is currently under way to determine the future of these facilities. A source said: 'There are fears that essential community services may be reduced or outsourced without public consultation.' Miller said the council acknowledged this was a difficult time for many of its staff, who are deeply committed to serving the Napier community. 'Our priority is to work closely with those affected by the proposals, to listen to their feedback, and to ensure they are fully supported throughout this process,' she said. As of February 28, 2025, Napier City Council employed 785 staff on an average fulltime wage of $92,829 per annum.
Western Telegraph
19-05-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
What happens to your estate if you die without a will?
The National Wills Report shows that approximately 47% of UK adults, over 32 million people, do not have a will. 'Do I need a Will' searches in the UK have risen 23% in the last quarter, with 140K searches a month. Louise Miller at Weightmans says: 'No one relishes the thought of writing a will, especially at a young age. However, having a will in place will give you the peace of mind and comfort that everything is in order, that you have done everything that you can for your loved ones. A will can help to mitigate potential disputes and ensure that your wishes are respected. "If you are considering writing a will but are unsure where to begin, it is advisable to seek professional legal guidance. Doing so will ensure your wishes are clearly set out and that your loved ones are protected in the future.' Here's a quick guide to the main questions people ask when writing their will. 1. What happens if I don't have a will? If you die without a will, the distribution of your estate (your personal possessions, money, and property) will be dealt with under the rules of intestacy (a set of legal rules which dictate who will benefit). Beware though, the intestacy rules are rigid and may not reflect your wishes. for example, they make no provision for unmarried partners. The intestacy rules also govern who is entitled to deal with the administration of your estate. In the case surrounding Liam Payne, it is reported that his former partner and the mother of his son, Cheryl Tweedy, has been appointed administrator, alongside top music lawyer Richard Bray, to manage his £24 million estate. This legally grants her access to his property, finances, and personal possessions. It is likely that the assets and funds will be held in a trust for his son until he is of adult age. Due to British laws of intestacy, which govern the affairs of those who die without a will, a deceased person's estate is usually passed on to their lawful spouse or their nearest blood relative. 2. Will my estate automatically pass to my spouse or partner? Even if you are married, your spouse is not necessarily entitled to benefit from your whole estate on your death. The intestacy rules are constantly subject to change, and the outcomes of dying without a Will can be surprising and often unjust. Making a Will is the only way to ensure your loved ones are provided for in accordance with your wishes. In Scotland, where there is no will or the estate is only partly disposed of by will then the rules of intestacy apply. From 2024 the spouse or civil partner is entitled to the whole estate if the deceased is not survived by children or grandchildren. If there are children then they will be entitled to the residue of the estate after payment of any prior and legal rights to the spouse or civil partner. There's more information on that here. The rules are slightly different in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. But wherever you live, making a will is the only way to ensure your estate passes to your chosen beneficiaries. It also enables you to choose your executors, appoint guardians for young children, include cash gifts or gifts of specific items, and detail your funeral wishes. It may be appropriate to include a trust structure in your will to offer a degree of protection for your chosen beneficiaries or to allow flexibility for future generations to use the trusts for their own wealth/tax planning. Liam's partner at the time of his death, Kate Cassidy, may receive none of his fortune. Without a valid will, she has no legal entitlement to any part of his estate. 3. Who are the executors of my will? Your will allows you to choose who will act as your executor(s), the individuals responsible for administering your estate and ensuring that your wishes are followed. Selecting capable and trustworthy executors is essential to help streamline the probate process and reduce the risk of disputes among beneficiaries. Acting as an executor is an important and often time-consuming role, carrying personal liability for any errors or losses during the administration of the estate. Some people choose to appoint a professional executor to ensure that their estate is managed efficiently and in full compliance with legal requirements, but there are fees for doing this. Recommended reading: 4. How often should I review my will? As your personal and/or financial circumstances change, you should consider updating your Will. Examples include: Marriage will automatically revoke any Will you had in place previously. Change in family circumstances, for example, having children or grandchildren. Divorce Significant changes in your financial situation It's recommended you look over your will every three years to assess whether there have been any changes to the law or tax allowances which could affect your will.
