Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

ADVERTISEMENT

By the time you read this, it will no longer be breaking news that one of the cancers which has plagued Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, has returned.

Thankfully, she has declared her intention to remain on the court and, prayerfully, her longevity will extend well-beyond the January 2021 presidential inauguration.

I have no doubt that if, before then, she should no longer be able to fulfill her responsibilities as an Associate Justice, Mitch McConnell would attempt to push a Supreme Court nominee through Senate confirmation with mercurial speed.

Justice Ginsberg has proven herself to be a woman of character, strength, integrity, and endurance. Her judicial decisions have identified her as a champion of the people and a staunch proponent of real justice.

The Notorious R.B.G. has been a force for equal rights and justice for decades long before her confirmation to the Supreme Court. I can only assume that her commitment to womens rights, civil rights and rights for the LGBQT community is based upon her experiences as a victim of discrimination.

For all citizens of conscience, the news of the recidivism of her cancer should be met with deep regret and, especially for political progressives, provides one more reason to vote against #45!

Justice Ginsbergs decisions and declarations from the bench have commonly met the test of practicality and good judgment. For me, her most notable quote referenced SCOTUS 2013 dissolution of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

In her dissent, she wrote: The sad irony of todays decision lies in its utter failure to grasp why the [Voting Rights Act] has proven effective Throwing out preclearance when it has worked and is continuing to work to stop discriminatory changes is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet.

With the 2020 election and the prospect of a new administration in 2021, the health andwell-being of Justice Ginsberg looms large. Notably, she is onefourth of the Liberal Wing of the Supreme Court. Shes reliable in her support for liberal positions of juris prudence.

Her decisions have always been based upon protections and greater inclusiveness for individuals without regard to race, gender or gender identification.

Current administration and Senate dispositions guarantee that any replacement for herwould hold a judicial philosophy that was diametrically opposed to hers and would work to reverse many of the hard-won civil rights gains of the past fifty-years.

Understanding this gives us one more reason to vote. Although we specifically vote for president and vice-president in a national election, our vote for them means so much more. This is demonstrated by the election of #45, and his supporting cast in the Senate.

Many, even his niece, Mary Trump, have labeled #45 a virulent racist, but hes not the only one in the White House. Stephen Miller, the identified architect of the Muslim Ban and Family Separation/Border Detention has been identified as a racist in the ilk of his president.

Over 20,000 times, 45 has been a documented liar. I have watched innumerable cabinetmembers and members of the executive staff, who serve on the inside of the administrations revolving door, lie with the same vigor as their chief.

In reflection, we have generously paid three consecutive press secretaries to lie to uswhenever and however the boss determined it necessary. And they arent the only ones!

We should not need a reason to vote beyond our civic responsibility; but, with 45s lies and selfpromotion, his mis-management of COVID-19, the growth and his promotion of racial injustice, and, now, the potential for molding the Supreme Court in his malignant image, we must vote.

Voting must be a personal and collective imperative!

Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via http://www.nationalcongressbw.org.

ADVERTISEMENT

Original post:
One more reason we need Justice Ginsberg - Daytona Times

Amber Rudd, Nicky Morgan and Andrew Neil are among those in the running to take over as the BBCs next chairman as Boris Johnson seeks a candidate in tune with the Governments agenda.

The Prime Minister is said to be drawing up a long list of possible candidates, all of which do not want to blow up the broadcaster.

The BBCs chairman, Sir David Clementi, is stepping down early next year and his replacement will be appointed by the Queen on advice from the government.

Mr Johnson wants to get on with it and decide on his successor by the Autumn but wants to avoid a putting a berserker in the position, sources toldThe Sunday Times reports.

Former-culture secretary Baroness Morgan and former home secretary Ms Rudd are both being considered as potentials to take over due to their being credible both within the Tory party and in the BBC itself.

Amber Rudd, Nicky Morgan (left) and Andrew Neil (right) are among those in the running to take over as the BBCs next chairman as Boris Johnson seeks a candidate in tune with the Governments agenda

The BBCs chairman, Sir David Clementi (pictured), is stepping down early next year and his replacement will be appointed by the Queen on advice from the government.

Broadcaster Mr Neil is also being considered for these reasons and despite him being heavily critical of the Prime Minister in the past his years with the BBC also stand him in good stead.

Rudd and Johnson have remained on good terms after she quit the cabinet last year. But her appointment would see staunch opposition from senior aids includingDominic Cummings.

Tory MPs have warned the Government about the palpable anger of voters over the BBCs decision to scrap free TV licences for most over-75s, it was yesterday revealed.

Figures showed that in some of their seats more than nine out of ten constituents who currently get the perk will have it taken away.

The corporation says it was forced to limit free licences to those on pension credit from August 1 because it could no longer afford to waive the 157.50 annual fee for all over-75s without severe cuts to programmes and channels.

Downing Street has described it as the wrong decision only for the BBC to hit back by pointing out that it was the Government which decided to stop funding the perk.

In a total of 110 Tory seats, at least 85 per cent of over-75s households will have to start paying the fee (stock image)

Now figures obtained by The Mail on Sunday show the full impact of the cut on the Tory heartlands: in Dame Cheryl Gillans Chesham and Amersham seat, a total of 91 per cent of households currently in receipt of the benefit will lose it, while in five other constituencies, including Sir John Redwoods Wokingham, the figure is 90 per cent.

In a total of 110 Tory seats, at least 85 per cent of over-75s households will have to start paying the fee.

It comes as the BBCs outgoing Director-General, Tony Hall, can be revealed to have held peace talks with Boris Johnson before he steps down at the end of the month.

Lord Hall is understood to have argued No 10 should adopt a less aggressive stance towards his successor, Tim Davie, over issues such as Government plans to decriminalise non-payment of the licence fee.

The Prime Minister is said to have adopted an emollient tone, saying he wanted to use the BBCs global reputation to project British soft power around the world, but stressing the need for efficiency savings.

The pandemic has cost the BBC more than 125 million so far: funding free TV licences for all over-75s would have cost a total of 745 million by 2022.

The BBC says it was forced to limit free licences to those on pension credit from August 1 because it could no longer afford to waive the 157.50 annual fee for all over-75s

The corporation originally set out plans to means test the free licence for over-75s from June, saving it an estimated 35 million per month, but it was delayed due to the coronavirus crisis.

The BBC says about 1.5 million households could still receive free licences, with 450,000 already having applied and has said pointedly that the Government sets and controls who receives pension credit.

Last night, Julian Knight, the Tory chairman of the Culture committee, said the figures showing the proportion of constituents losing the benefit would cause a collective gnashing of teeth on our backbenches.

Mr Knight, the MP for Solihull where 84 per cent of households receiving the benefit will lose it said: It shows the scale of harm the BBC decision has caused to our voters.

I imagine in the coming months the anger amongst our people will be palpable. The question will be does the Government get it in the neck or the BBC?

The BBC said of the discussions between Lord Hall and Mr Johnson: We wont be commenting on this. Downing Street also declined to comment.

Go here to read the rest:
Nicky Morgan and Andrew Neil are in the running to be the BBC's next chairman - Up News Info

Douglas Ross was elected unopposed as the new Leader of the Scottish Conservatives. | PA Images

3 min read10 August

Dods People draws together a list of appointments in Westminster politics, the devolved administrations and the public affairs sector in the last week.

Houses of Parliament:

House of Lords

New Conservative life peers announced:

Lorraine Fullbrook, Edward Udny-Lister, Daniel Moylan, Andrew Sharpe, Michael Spencer, Veronica Wadley, James Wharton, Helena Morrissey, Neil Mendoza, Henry Bellingham, Kenneth Clarke, Ruth Davidson, Philip Hammond, Nicholas Herbert, Joseph Johnson, John Mark Lancaster, Patrick McLoughlin, Aamer Sarfraz and Edward Vaizey.

New Labour life peers announced:

Susan Hayman, Prem Sikka, Anthony Woodley, Kathryn Clark and Brinley Davies.

New Democratic Unionist Party life peer announced:

Nigel Dodds.

New non-affiliated life peers announced:

Claire Fox, Charles Moore, Frank Field, Catharine Hoey, Ian Austin, Gisela Stuart and John Woodcock.

New crossbench life peers announced:

Ian Botham, Louise Casey, Evgeny Lebedev and Nemat (Minouche) Shafik.

Lord Livermore is on a leave of absence since 31st July.

Departments of State:

Philip Barton to become the first Permanent Under Secretary in the new Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office in September.

Cabinet Office

Lord Nash appointed as the new Lead Non-Executive Director, replacing Ian Cheshire.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Joanna Roper has been appointed Her Majestys Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands in succession to Peter Wilson.

Barbara Woodward named as the UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

National Cyber Security Centre Lindy Cameron to become the Chief Executive in October, replacing Ciaran Martin.

Department for Health and Social Care

Fiona Caldicott to stand down as National Data Guardian, a replacement is being recruited.

Ministry of Justice

Charlie Taylor announced as the preferred candidate for next Her Majestys Chief Inspector of Prisons.

Northern Ireland Office

Lindy Cameron to stand down as Director-General.

Home Office

Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs Sarah Galvani, Judith Aldridge and David Wood appointed as members.

Non-Ministerial Departments

HM Revenue & Customs Justin Holliday appointed as Tax Assurance Commissioner, replacing Melissa Tatton.

Parties:

Scottish Conservatives

Douglas Ross was elected unopposed as the new Leader.

Devolved Authorities:

Welsh Parliament

Public Accounts Committee Angela Burns became a member.

Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee Suzy Davies became a member.

Health, Social Care and Sport Committee Andrew RT Davies replaced Angela Burns as a member.

Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee Janet Finch-Saunders replaced Andrew RT Davies as a member.

Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee David Melding replaced Suzy Davies as a member.

External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee Laura Anne Jones replaced David Melding as a member.

Children, Young People and Education Committee Laura Anne Jones replaced Janet Finch-Saunders as a member.

Local Authorities:

Dacorum Borough Council Claire Hamilton named as the new Chief Executive, replacing Sally Marshall at the end of October.

Salford City Council Jim Taylor to stand down as Chief Executive in January.

Industry

If you and your organisation would like to be included in this section, then email us at editor@dodsgroup.com

Interest Groups

Joseph Rowntree Foundation - Denise Holle to join as Head of Social Investment.

The Royal Free Charity Jon Spiers appointed as Chief Executive.

Anthony Nolan - Antonio Pagliuca appointed as Chief Medical and Scientific Adviser.

Read more:
New appointments this week in UK politics, the civil service and public affairs - PoliticsHome.com

Open House: Will National Education Policy 2020 transform the education system of the country?

Its limited to only study matters

The success or failure of any policy/scheme in our country depends on the efforts made on the ground level. The National Education Policy is confined to matters relating to study only whereas other related issues are equally important. For example, buying school uniforms twice a year is a costly affair for a middle-class family. Instead of designer uniform, why not go for a regular plain colour uniform? The basic concept of the uniform is to avoid contrast between poor and rich students and bring smartness and discipline in them. Even in big cities, school uniforms are available at one or two particular shops at very exorbitant rates. Schools should be free to choose plain colour of their own choice. In this way, plain colour uniforms can be got stitched from any tailor, generating more business for them. Similarly, in the NEP, it should have been made mandatory for the students of Classes VI to VIII to go on school trip once a year to a place situated at a distance of 1,000 km from his/her native place. In this way, students would get to know of the lifestyles and culture of people living in other parts of the country. This will be a genuine attempt for national integration and unity. Friendship and relation developed at a young age would last for a long time. The NEP should have looked into such aspects also.

Naresh Johar

Hope it fills all gaps in education system

The Indian education system is basically related to the marking system, homework sheets, workbooks or assignments and rote learning. A lot of time is wasted in copying and doing these things which are useless and trash. Hence, these things are a great burden and even more for those who write slowly. As a result, children do not find time for other activities like sports and arts since parents force them to give top priority to studies. Even teachers are bound to teach the only things given in the syllabus. And so, teaching something in depth and properly takes time which backlogs the portion and creates a problem for the teachers themselves. Modern education system teaches only the concept of mugging up. It is a barrier to the country's progress. Students in India are expected to cram up the books, chapters and syllabus and write their answer accordingly. Activity-based learning is an excellent solution for schools to aid their traditional education methods with a modern and advanced learning approach that brings confidence, healthy competition, innovation and creativity amongst students. The best way to address this problem is to introduce life-changing skill training in the school-based curriculum. Giving them some options at the onset of teenage gives them the chance to explore & learn more things beyond their textbooks. There should be a job-oriented skill development at the 12th level in education system so that students earn money after that for their livelihood or for their higher studies like in developed countries. Hope the new education policy fills all these gaps.

Amarjit Kalsi

The new policy is a Step in the right direction

The National Education Policy 2020 is set to alter the course of the future education system in the country. A step taken in the right direction after a long gap of 34 years signalling new normals with major shift from examination-centric to experimental learning and thinking as the key component of the curriculum of schools and colleges to follow in times to come. The options and flexibility to change subjects up to Class X will help explore the latent talent of the younger students. Use of local languages, the mother tongue as the medium of instruction in schools is another landmark initiative envisaged in the policy to promote the culture of innovation and mindset of explorations amongst students. Permitting foreign universities to set up centres for higher education will halt the brain drain from India.

Anil Vinayak

will create job-creators rather than job seekers

The NEP 2020 is a welcome step in the right direction with its major focus on critical thinking, experiential learning, interactive classrooms, integrated pedagogy, competency based education and much more. And the PM says the policy will create job creators, not job seekers. Obviously it is supposed to help in transforming the education system of the country. The present education system lays stress on theoretical not on practical knowledge because of which it needs a drastic change. So, the NEP has abolished 10+2 system envisaging no separation of arts, science and commerce streams. In fact, the 10+2 system and separate streams were not there in the 60s and the early 70s. Hence nothing new about it. The only difference is that now it has been made 5+3+3+4 without clarity about board examinations. Earlier in the 1986/92 policy, schooling was compulsory for children aged between 6 and 14 and now it has been made mandatory for children aged between 3-18. The emphasis is also on the childs mother tongue but children in government schools were already receiving education in their mother tongue up to Class V. Here it is silent whether the so-called English-medium private schools will follow the policy in letter and in spirit or not. And what about ministers and politicians who send their wards abroad to enable them to receive education in English? Now the policy lays no stress on memorisation and rote learning. The NEP observes that the introduction of systematic, well-planned and rigorously implemented programmes of vocational education is crucial in the proposed educational re- organisation and these would be introduced from Class VI and will include internship too. The countrymen are being impressed upon to become atamnirbhir (self-reliant) but the policy is opening doors to foreign universities to set up their shops here. The NEP 1986 had also sounded similar sentiments. The NEP 2020 has been presented as a Magna Carta of the education system for years to come.

Tarsem S Bumrah

New policy will change lives of school students

With emphasis on early childhood care and education, the 10+2 system of school curricula is to be replaced with the 5+3+3+4 system, corresponding to ages 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years, respectively. The new system will have 12 years of schooling with three years of anganwadi/pre-schooling. Students will be given increased flexibility and choice of subjects so that they could choose their own goals according to their talents and interests. I believe with the NEP will change the life of students and they would prefer to study in India only. I appreciate the Indian government for the wonderful decision.

Rohit Kumar Sehdev

Will reduce anxiety among students

The India education system is more inclined towards rote learning with no emphasis on analytical study. We follow the basic thumb rule for examination long answers fetch high marks. What we actually lack is a basic understanding of subjects. The National Education Policy 2020 is the modified version of the earlier policy of 1986. The proposed revamp of the education system has some promising points for students. The burden to score well has affected the mental health of pupils. The new pattern of board exams would lay emphasis on testing concepts and ability to apply knowledge. Students can also choose the level of exam between medium or advance. Students will be given two chances in a year to take the board exams. This will reduce the anxiety among students, improve their conceptual and critical thinking and make them job-ready professionals. Credit-based assessment in higher education is another big relief for students who dropped out from degrees due to unavoidable circumstances. As per the new policy, credit earned during the degree will remain valid and the course can be resumed anytime in future. The NEP 2020 has a basket of benefits for students and teachers, with a focus on personality development, analytical thinking and technology-driven learning. However, the benefits will accrue only after proper implementation of the proposed plan.

Gulshakh Kaur

Give competitive edge to Indian job-seekers

The NEP is ambitious and futuristic but much of its success will depend on how it is executed. The new NEP will introduce an array of changes scrap the 10+2 system for a 5+3+3+4 system in school education. The important issue is the language that should be used to impart education upto Class V. Lets take an instance, a person lives in Kerala and his child has studied upto Class IV in Kerala. After, he shifts to Punjab where most schools would teach in Punjabi, the child might not be able to adjust. In my opinion, priority to English must be given because the language has a global language for communication worldwide. This will also give a competitive edge to job-seekers from India in relation to those from China and Southeast Asian countries in western countries such as Canada and the US.

Saahil Hans

Policy gives flexibility, future-readiness

The New National Education Policy (NEP) approved by the Union Cabinet is ambitious and futuristic but whether it transforms the education system will depend on how it is executed. The policy offers students a flexible academic journey where students have the option to pick and choose subjects according to their interests and are not restricted to set patterns. The replacement of 10+2 pattern with 5+3+3+4 pattern aims to include the uncovered age group of three to six years. The idea of imparting early education in the mother tongue is an enlightened one but it is the leading language that provides access to the larger world, whether it is professional jobs, higher education or research. The proposal may harm students who shift their schools from one state to another. The policy says the choice of streams can be made from Class VI, but the mechanism to make choices is missing. The policy will align the education system with the global education system, and the process will continue even in the higher education sector. A four-year instead of three-year undergraduate programme is on the charts with MPhil standing scrapped while PhD remaining accessible after a masters degree. The NEP 2020 offers flexibility and future-readiness to students. The toughest criticism of the NEP is that it is quite idealistic. The gap between vision and application will need more than action plans and implementation strategy.

Saanya Aggarwal

QUESTION

The police and the Excise Department recently seized 2.5 lakh litres of lahan during raids conducted in Ludhiana villages. The Excise Department destroyed the lahan by throwing it into the Sutlej thereby endangering aquatic life. Shouldnt the lahan, seized in large quantities, be disposed of in a scientific manner? What guidelines the government needs to come up with in order to ensure its proper disposal?

Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to amritsardesk@tribunemail.comby Thursday (August 13).

Here is the original post:
NEP holds hope, needs effective implementation - The Tribune India

The structure of the New Cabinet consisting of 28 Ministries, 40 State Ministries & there functions has been published through an Extraordinary Gazette.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa through an Extraordinary Gazette notification announced the Ministerial structure consisting 28 Ministries and 40 State Ministries. This includes Ministries that come under the purview of the President and the Prime Minister.

The Gazette notification giving details of Ministerial structure, relevant institutions and rules and regulations was issued this evening (10).

National priorities, policy responsibilities and functions have been taken into consideration in formulating Ministries. State Ministries have been structured to facilitate the achievement of special priorities and the implementation of relevant programmes according to the broad scope of each Ministry.

Special attention was paid to the areas of national security, economic development, infrastructure facilities, education, health and sports in the process of formulation of the ministerial structure.

The formulated structure covers a number of aspects of rural and agricultural development as well as the field of education.

The scopes, priorities, affiliated institutions and legal frameworks of each Ministry have been explained under severalsubheadings.

The Subject Ministers and State Ministers are scheduled to be sworn in at the Magul Maduwa(Audience Hall) of the Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic premises in Kandy on the morning of Wednesday(August 12) before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

It also includes the assigned subjects, functions, Departments, Public Corporations and Statutory Institutions determined to State Ministers.

Ministries and State Ministries of the Cabinet of Ministers in line with the Vistas of Prosperity Policy Statement assigned to each Minister, including people-centered programs and specific priorities to be met by Subjects and functions, relevant institutions, laws and regulations, in addition to the policy of the Ministers of the Cabinet have been included in the notice.

Separate allocations will be made for the Ministries of the Cabinet of Ministers and the State Ministries. Ministry secretaries appointed in accordance with Article 52 (1) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka under the direction and control of the Cabinet of Ministers will direct the Ministries and the Ministry Secretary appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers will direct the Ministries of the Cabinet Minister under the direction and control of the relevant Minister.

Further, the Cabinet structure strengthens the rural life and agro-economy in the overall social and economic development and is recognized as an inseparable priority, therefore all the Secretaries to the Ministries are advised and guided by the Ministers will ensure replacement of urban and project staff to strengthen rural and regional office services.

In addition, The Minister of Finance will delegate the powers to the Secretaries to State Ministries and Secretaries to Ministries in the Cabinet are the Chief Accounting Officers.

Accordingly, the Secretaries to the Ministries will be the Chief officers are responsible for the Departments, Public Corporations and Statutory Institutions under the Ministry of the Ministry and Cabinet of Ministers.

The Secretary to the Ministry of State is responsible for the Departments, Public Corporations and Departments under their Ministry and will be the Chief Accountable Officer for statutory bodies. Further, both the Secretary to the Ministry of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Secretary to the State Ministry of State, respectively will be the chief officers accountable for the Office of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Office of the State Ministry.

Roles assigned to a Minister in the Cabinet of Ministers on behalf of his Ministry and details of various institutions and the combinations have been indicated in the 67 page Gazette proclamation.

Follow this link:
The structure of the New Cabinet consisting of 28 Ministries, 40 State Ministries published - Hiru News

OPINION: In March 2020, New Zealand officially became a nation of 5 million people (with another 1 million offshore).

The country had been growing at a brisk pace, around 2 per cent per annum. The addition of another million was reached in a record time of 17 years.

For the first part of those 17 years, fertility and natural increase was still the most important contributor to population growth.

But in the last seven years, it was net migration gains 330,000 additional New Zealanders between 2013 and 2018 that was responsible for two-thirds of that growth.

READ MORE:* Covid-19: If migration stops, should we stop building?* We have room to grow, but planning is needed * Fewer migrants a Covid quandary for capital council

New Zealand is becoming a very different country. By 2030, we will be much older, more ethnically diverse, and more of us will live in Auckland and Hamilton and Tauranga.

The baby boomers (currently aged between 56 and 74) will see the numbers aged 65 and over doubling to 1.2 million. In the 1980s, less than 10 per cent of the population were over 65. Soon it will be close to a quarter.

This was underscored by their vulnerability under Covid-19, especially given their concentration in care facilities.

As we have moved from a young-dominant society to one that is now old-dominant, declining fertility has also played its role.

To replace an existing population, a fertility rate of 2.1 children per women is required. New Zealands rate is now 1.8. We are experiencing sub-replacement fertility.

This decline is compounded by the one (child) and done or none fertility decisions of millennials, and babies increasingly have mothers that are thirty-something. We have more children born to women over the age of forty than to teenagers.

All the indications are that Covid will see a further drop in fertility rates. Recent research in Europe suggests that about two-thirds of those at an age to decide whether to have children or not are choosing to delay pregnancy or not to have children at all.

Does it matter that there is an inversion of the classical pyramid population shape of a country? It depends.

There will certainly be an impact on dependency ratios, between those in the paid workforce and those who do not work (the young, the old, those reliant on a benefit).

The challenge becomes one of generating a tax or wealth base to support dependents.

The other issue is the willingness and ability of New Zealand to adjust to a very different demography.

The reluctance to talk about the sustainability of a universal superannuation scheme is one indication that we are not taking the changes to our demography seriously enough.

Abigail Dougherty/Stuff

After years of exodus to Australia, net migration has increased by up to 70,000 permanent migrants since 2012.

One of the default positions has been immigration. Often, our immigration policy has been one of the most important elements of our population policy; sometimes, our main one.

After the outflow of New Zealanders in 2012, mainly to Australia, the country then embarked on a period of significant net migration gains.

The annual net gain ranged from 50,000 to 70,000 permanent migrants, the majority under the Skilled Migrant Category. But there were also 200,000 temporary arrivals on work or study visa provisions.

When New Zealand went into lockdown, there were 310,000 migrants in the country on such visas. New Zealand has gained skills, people and diversity as a result of this recent period of migration.

Covid has bought this period to a grinding halt, although one of the ironies of how well New Zealand has handled the pandemic, and how poor other countries have not, is that the country will now be even more desirable as a migrant destination.

Even with the halt to migration, New Zealands ethnic diversity will continue to change, with the most obvious result being that, soon, one out of every five of us will be a member of one of the many Asian communities that now call New Zealand home.

In Auckland, these communities will comprise 38 per cent of the city.

Which introduces another important component of our changed demography: the growing dominance of Auckland.

Supplied

Auckland will receive around 60 percent of population growth over the next 20 years, writes Professor Paul Spoonley.

We anticipate that Auckland will be the recipient of 60 per cent of New Zealands population growth over the next two decades, and home to 40 per cent of New Zealands population.

This growing concentration can be seen in many countries and could be dampened but it will need some serious policy interventions by New Zealand governments.

The downside is that many other parts of the country will experience population stagnation and, in some cases, decline.

All these elements declining fertility, rapid ageing, the growth of Auckland (and regional population stagnation/decline), growing ethnic diversity all need policy attention and innovation.

These changes are so unprecedented that much of our existing policy framework is simply not fit for purpose.

It would help if we had an agreed population policy, and a greater public awareness of how significant and disruptive these changes are going to be.

Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonleys new book, The New New Zealand: Facing Demographic Disruption (Massey University Press) will be published next week.

Here is the original post:
Covid-19: New population policy required to combat effects of declining birth rate, ageing population - Stuff.co.nz

Modular building is a flexible and cost-efficient method of construction that has made great strides in popularity over recent years. In spite of this, confusion, preconceptions and hesitancy around Modern Methods of Construction have led project managers to opt for alternative methods.

The misconceptions and general confusion relate to the poor reputation of Britains post-war, prefabricated buildings. Their lack of longevity has cast doubt over modular construction techniques but in truth, Modern Methods of Construction can produce permanent, stylish and multi-storey buildings that last for decades.

These common misconceptions are leading people to doubt MMC, when actually it is a cost-effective, premium solution that has already benefitted many industries and has the potential to transform British construction altogether.

After the Second World War, more than 156,000 homes were built to provide urgent accommodation for families whod lost their homes during The Blitz or for soldiers returning home. They were designed to be a temporary solution that local authorities would aim to replace with permanent housing.

The misconception that all modular buildings are only temporary is something that Darwin Group delights in proving wrong. MMC provides the efficiency of off-site construction, whilst delivering structures that will withstand the test of time often out-performing traditional builds.

The current housing crisis along with the target to deliver 300,000 new homes every year by 2025, saw the Government invest directly into modular housing production for the very first time last November a landmark moment in dispelling the myths around MMC. Instead of the short-term solutions chosen in the 1940s, modular housing is now being used to deliver permanent developments to serve densely populated areas.

Our state-of-the-art production facility in Shrewsbury, Shropshire is a closely controlled environment that allows Darwin Group to have complete control over quality management and even greater flexibility to plan production to meet demand.

We highly value precision within a project and this is instilled at every stage of our construction process. Being precise off-site ultimately results in a smoother construction process on-site.

Unlike traditional methods of construction that require a live building site for long periods of time, off-site construction allows for the majority of work to be completed away from site which is ideal for us as we specialise in education and healthcare facilities. Being able to build off-site is much safer and more convenient in these cases, as we avoid the complications of busy live school or hospital environments.

MMC has also allowed Darwin Group to continue to deliver our builds during lockdown. Our controlled factory environment where social distancing and strict site working practices can be adhered to has enabled us to swiftly deliver much-needed emergency facilities for the NHS.

We wanted to do everything we could to help fight the global Covid-19 pandemic, and Im proud to say that Darwin Group was behind landmark facilities in Wigan at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary and Wolverhampton at New Cross Hospital.

Actually, it can. Modular buildings are made from the very same high-quality materials as traditional structures, meaning theyre no more harmful for the environment in some cases, the materials we use can provide better durability and insulation, lowering the carbon footprint of the end user.

However, Modern Methods of Construction allows you to go further than that. Our clients are more and more frequently prioritising sustainability and trying to minimise their impact on the planet. This is where MMC holds a real advantage because our builds are prefabricated in our industry-leading factory (away from site), there is much less waste of materials, providing a more sustainable and eco-friendly way of building.

Our days on-site are also far fewer than traditional construction projects, meaning there is less use of heavy equipment and machinery, reducing power consumption. At Darwin Group, we aim to minimise waste and the consumption of resources at every stage of construction. Our in-house team are experts in SBEM, BREEAM and Passivhaus and create buildings that minimise environmental impact and maintenance throughout their lifespan.

The quality and precision of a modular build means that it requires very little maintenance, as the structure is strong and can withstand extreme environmental pressures. If the purpose of a building changes and the layout or size of a build no longer meets a clients requirements, then modular structures can in fact be easily modified.

As mentioned, Darwin Group recently delivered a new ward for the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan, where we created a space that could be quickly adapted at a low cost. This was pivotal, owing to the buildings function as an emergency Covid-19 nightingale ward. The modular build was designed, manufactured and completed onsite ahead of schedule in less than 40 days.

The structure was point loaded via columns located in the perimeter of the building. The services were also sectioned in dedicated service zones meaning that should the ward need to be transformed into a different configuration in the future it would be far easier than a typical refurbishment project. Following the pandemic, there is the potential for the permanent ward to be used for bariatric patients, adding quality and longevity to the project. Future-proofing a build in such a way provides the client with the confidence that their investment will continue to be of value as their needs develop over time.

A common misconception is that modular contractors are not the principle contractor and rely on other companies to complete key parts of the project such as groundwork, foundations, roads, paths and landscaping. However, this is not the case with Darwin Group. As an experienced design and build principal contractor, we manage all project requirements.

Our unique, turnkey service covers all aspects of design, planning and construction from start to finish. This seamless process proves straightforward for our clients, simplifies building warranties and or guarantees and also works out to be a lot more cost-effective than traditional construction methods.

Darwin Group is able to work within a clients budget constraints to find a complete solution for their individual project. We also offer financial payment plans and assist with funding applications to ensure that aspirations and budget constraints align.

Wrong! Every project we undertake is bespoke and many factors come into play during the design process. From small outbuildings, to stand-out structures, to large multi-story extensions, MMC can provide a cost-effective solution for all of these requirements. At Darwin Group, we always deliver exceptional looking, affordable buildings.

Notably, as part of our diverse in-house team of construction experts, we have a talented team of designers and architects. They work closely with our project managers to carefully consider the location, size and purpose of the building, creating a bespoke solution that looks exceptional but remains affordable.

A recent project that needed a considered design approach was Reddiford School in Pinner, North West London. As part of the planning process, Harrow Council specified the need for a method of attenuating rainwater in the instance of a significant storm, adding additional complexity to the build. Our design solution was to use the roof of the building to hold and attenuate rainwater. The water is gradually released into an underground storm drainage system, maximising available space and providing a satisfactory solution.

Charles Pierce

Managing director

Darwin Group

See the rest here:
The myths of Modern Methods of Construction - Planning, BIM & Construction Today

New supportive homes for Indigenous women have been opened in Victoria, where residents will be given the opportunity to reconnect with their culture through traditional food and healing, and assistance from an elder in residence.

The Spaken House also known as "Flower House" is a modular two-storey apartment building with 21 self-contained units. Each unit has a private washroom and a mini kitchen, while shared facilities include a commercial kitchen and a dining lounge area.

Thehousing project is a collaboration between the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (ACEH), B.C. Housing and the Atira Women's Resource Society.

ACEH operates the building and will have round-the-clock staff on sitewho have beentrained byAtirawhich runs other non-profit housing in B.C.

Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi, executive director of ACEH, said this program is based on what she called the "dual model of housing care."

"On one hand, it's culturally supportive with elders [and] traditional foods, but on the other side, that real missing piece is decolonized harm-reduction practice," she told On The Island guest hostDavid Lennam.

On the first point, the kitchen of Spaken House will provide traditional foods and cooking classes for residents. There's also a therapeutic garden for growing plants and natural medicines.

On the second point, Hunt-Jinnouchi said the housing program is aimed at strengthening the self-identity of Indigenous women, which may have been lost through the foster care system or other kinds of trauma. She said there's a three-bedroom "family townhouse" on site for residents toreunifywith their families as part of thishealing process.

"It will allow for women that have children and care or live with relatives to be able to spend time with them and rebuild those relationships,"Hunt-Jinnouchi said.

Hunt-Jinnouchi said there have been many referrals of women who are living in hotels and temporary homes. She expects most women will move in within the coming two weeks, but doesn't expect all of them will do that at once.

"We'll bring in women on the first floor that require assistance, because they're using a walker or a wheelchair, and so the accessibility challenges [are what] we want to address first," she said.

The B.C. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing doesn't set any timeline for how long a resident can stayin supportive housing,but Hunt-Jinnouchi said ACEH's aim is to set women up so they can move into their own homes.

The B.C. government provided $3.8 million to the project through the Rapid Response to Homelessness program, and will provide annual operating funding of approximately $997,000.

Read the original post:
New supportive housing aims to help Indigenous women reconnect with their culture - CBC.ca

Britain's biggest factory-built council homes programme since the prefab construction boom of the Forties has been launched in east London.

Greenwich council has signed a 300 million contract for the delivery of up to 750 new modular homes to help address the chronic housing shortage in the borough.

Two sites at former garages have already been granted planning permission for the houses, which can be built in less than two weeks compared with a typical six-month construction period.

Greenwich has more than 20,000 people on the housing waiting list with an average wait time of nearly three years.

Greenwich cabinet member for housing Anthony Okereke said: Employing modular techniques as part of our Greenwich Builds programme is allowing us to quickly deliver the high quality and sustainable council homes so badly needed in our borough.

With plans for construction on 750 new homes to be under way by 2022, were excited to be at the forefront of delivering innovative zero-carbon council properties, making good on Royal Greenwichs commitments to tackling the housing crisis and climate change.

The houses have been designed by Clerkenwell-based architects shedkm, manufactured by Ideal Modular Homes, which has its production line in Liverpool, and will be constructed on site by Lewisham-based A&E Elkins.

The first homes are expected to be ready by the end of the year.

Ideal Modular Homes founder Luke Barnes said: Councils are under constant pressure to deliver affordable housing at a reduced cost, while still delivering on quality. This joint venture will see that beautifully designed high-quality homes can be delivered in half the time that traditional methods would.

Alex Flint, director at shedkm, said: The new homes look to change the perception towards off-site manufacturing, through carefully crafted and long-lasting materials, and considered internal layouts. In addition, we will work alongside the landscape architects to ensure that we create new neighbourhoods with identity and a sense of place, providing the residents with a sense of belonging.

Modular homebuilding in Britain has struggled to shake off the image of the postwar prefabs, many of which suffered from damp and other defects

although some are still lived in. Of the roughly 200,000 homes built each year in Britain, only about 15,000 are modular, despite their speed of delivery.

Across London as a whole almost quarter of a million households are waiting for council housing, but Mayor Sadiq Khan has admitted he will not hit this years target for building new affordable homes because of the coronavirus lockdown.

Read more:
Affordable housing in London:Greenwich signs up for hundreds of prefab homes to address chronic housing shortage - Homes and Property

Because a new army of waggy-tailed workers are about to invade workplaces across the UK stealing sandwiches, chewing cables and woofing on Zoom calls.

Dogs will become part of the furniture as staff head back to offices keen to take their pets too after spending more time than ever with them during lockdown.

Already 1.7 million offices are dog-friendly, including Ben & Jerrys, Build A Bear Workshop, Nestl, Amazon, Cats Protection and Google.

And experts say more companies will follow suit to tempt staff back. Reginald, an 18-month-old British bulldog, is Chief of Happiness at Ideal Modular Homes in Liverpool and is most likely found snoozing on his favourite beanbag.

Other dogs in the office include Labrador Meg, Yorkie Frankie, Newfoundland Bella and Sugar the Pomeranian.

Reggies owner, Gemma Darroch, 33, says: Having him in the office is lovely. Everyone enjoys giving him cuddles.

The dogs help boost productivity and taking five minutes to go for a walk or throw a ball beats the afternoon slump.

Weve had a few accidents with them. One of them peed all over the new chief finance officers bag and weve found lots of chewed computer cables. But generally having them here is great for morale.

At Fourth Day PR, adorable Borderterrier Tess, five, is very much part of the team, despite getting a bit too excited from time to time.

Nikki Scrivener, 46, her owner and director at the Manchester firm, says: Tess is so relaxing to have around. Shes great at jumping up on a lap if anyones feeling stressed.

She loves playing tug of war, meaning staff get breaks, and always makes herself known on Zoom calls by woofing along.

At Reflect Digital in Maidstone, founder Becky Simms, 34, says her dachshund Harry is a professional member of the team, apart from when he steals sandwiches. She said: Harry is more than just the office dog. We call him Chief Happiness Officer as he cheers us up with regular cuddles and walks. But as part of the induction, all staff are warned not to leave food in bags on the floor or on their desks as Harry will find a way to steal it.

Not surprisingly, 81 per cent of people said having a dog in the office made it a happier place to work, according to research by pet food company Purina.

And 17 per cent said they would take a pay cut if it meant they could bring their dog with them. Dog behaviourist Kerry Lawson says bosses need to considersupporting new owners.

She said: For new owners, the thought of being parted with their pet who has supported them emotionally through lockdown is distressing.

For the new pet, having their owner with them 24/7 then being left alone is unsettling and can lead to all kinds of unwanted behaviour.

But if workplaces can bemore flexible, whether thats letting dogs come in on set days, or allowing staff to go home to care for them, this can be avoided.

Read the original:
Dogs head to the office! Waggy-tailed workers to join in big return - Express