27 November 2012

Wellington rated world’s ‘most liveable’ city

Wellington City has today been named one of the world’s most liveable cities, winning its category D in the UN-backed International Awards for Liveable Communities (LivCom) Awards 2012.

LivCom is the world’s only competition for communities that focuses on environmental management and the creation of liveable communities, and seeks to encourage innovation and leadership in providing vibrant, environmentally-sustainable communities.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown said the award acknowledged that Wellington City’s current liveability and our strategic vision as Smart Capital.

“It’s an outstanding result to be named the world’s most liveable city in our category,” said Mayor Wade-Brown.

“These LivCom Awards recognise achievement across the whole range of citizen wellbeing and its something all Wellingtonians can be proud of.

“The city has embarked on a path to be Wellington: Smart Capital and that vision is based on principles that the LivCom awards celebrate: people-centred, dynamic, ecologically sound and globally-connected.

“I’m pleased to lead a Council that is actively promoting these qualities, and recognises the economic benefits of making Wellington a liveable city.

“LivCom assesses the enhancement of the natural and built landscapes, unique arts and culture, environmental best practices, community participation and empowerment, healthy lifestyle and strategic planning.

“This award’s recognition of Wellington on the eve of the Hobbit Premiere, when the world’s eyes will be on our Capital, is perfect timing,” she said.

Wellington came first in its category, ahead of runners-up Chang’an and Jincheng City from China and Siena (Italy). Abu Dhabi (U.A.E.) won the award for cities over 400,000 people.

For more information on the backed International Awards for Liveable Communities (LivCom) Awards, please visit www.livcomawards.com

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On Failures Of Care For Those With Mental Disabilities

Hard to imagine a more disturbing insight into the treatment of the vulnerable than the Health Ministry report on Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau. The Ministry has found that the country’s only kaupapa Maori intellectual disability residential care provider has been “seriously dysfunctional.”

The ministry says the business has failed to recruit and retain quality staff – and says the kaimahi (caregivers) that have been employed are seriously unsuitable for the job, lacking basic knowledge. But Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau doesn’t get all the blame. The report says there’s a significant gap under disability laws to ensure there’s oversight by qualified clinical professionals. More>>