From simon.abel at hotmail.co.nz Thu Dec 29 09:29:49 2011 From: simon.abel at hotmail.co.nz (Simon Abel) Date: Thu Dec 29 09:30:03 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] FW: Mailman privacy alert In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Gidday there, For some months I haven't recieved any VollyNet updates, and was just curious to see what happened. Thus, I tried subscribing once again; however recieved the attached reply below. Whilst I might not be the biggest poster on here, I looked forward to reading what other volunteers around the country had to say, so was wondering if you were able to put me back on the list. Regards, and Seasons Greetings, Simon Abel Fire Fighter; Lincoln Volunteer Fire Brigade > Subject: Mailman privacy alert > From: vollynet-bounces@vollynet.org.nz > To: simon.abel@hotmail.co.nz > Date: Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:22:10 +1300 > > An attempt was made to subscribe your address to the mailing list > vollynet@vollynet.org.nz. You are already subscribed to this mailing list. > > Note that the list membership is not public, so it is possible that a bad > person was trying to probe the list for its membership. This would be a > privacy violation if we let them do this, but we didn't. > > If you submitted the subscription request and forgot that you were already > subscribed to the list, then you can ignore this message. If you suspect that > an attempt is being made to covertly discover whether you are a member of this > list, and you are worried about your privacy, then feel free to send a message > to the list administrator at vollynet-owner@vollynet.org.nz. From blakjak at blakjak.net Thu Dec 29 10:44:58 2011 From: blakjak at blakjak.net (Mark Foster) Date: Thu Dec 29 10:45:13 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] FW: Mailman privacy alert In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Simon, Instead of attempting to subscribe (again) you need to login to the list management area using your username and password and check that your subscription has not been set to 'nomail'. This can happen if you set it on purpose or the listserv can do it automatically if for some reason it's unable to send you email (temporary delivery failures, such as network problems, or 'mailbox full' errors, etc). If you still can't make head or tails of it, contact me offlist and I'll see if I can look further (noting that Tony and Ed are both still gallivanting in the US.) Mark. On Thu, December 29, 2011 9:29 am, Simon Abel wrote: > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > Gidday there, > > For some months I haven't recieved any VollyNet updates, and was just > curious to see what happened. Thus, I tried subscribing once again; > however recieved the attached reply below. Whilst I might not be the > biggest poster on here, I looked forward to reading what other volunteers > around the country had to say, so was wondering if you were able to put me > back on the list. > > Regards, and Seasons Greetings, > > Simon Abel > Fire Fighter; Lincoln Volunteer Fire Brigade > > >> Subject: Mailman privacy alert >> From: vollynet-bounces@vollynet.org.nz >> To: simon.abel@hotmail.co.nz >> Date: Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:22:10 +1300 >> >> An attempt was made to subscribe your address to the mailing list >> vollynet@vollynet.org.nz. You are already subscribed to this mailing >> list. >> >> Note that the list membership is not public, so it is possible that a >> bad >> person was trying to probe the list for its membership. This would be a >> privacy violation if we let them do this, but we didn't. >> >> If you submitted the subscription request and forgot that you were >> already >> subscribed to the list, then you can ignore this message. If you suspect >> that >> an attempt is being made to covertly discover whether you are a member >> of this >> list, and you are worried about your privacy, then feel free to send a >> message >> to the list administrator at vollynet-owner@vollynet.org.nz. > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > From kiwis1 at slingshot.co.nz Fri Dec 30 18:28:04 2011 From: kiwis1 at slingshot.co.nz (Stephen) Date: Fri Dec 30 18:28:12 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] Ne3ws:- ff attacked at call Message-ID: <02ab01ccc6b3$ce587110$6b095330$@co.nz> http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10775869 From ben at diversity.net.nz Sat Dec 31 08:38:11 2011 From: ben at diversity.net.nz (Ben Kepes) Date: Sat Dec 31 08:38:33 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM Message-ID: For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was awarded the QSM in today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ Fire Service Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this one. ;-) Congrats Ross, well deserved b Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes web www.diversity.net.nz From stantonfield at clear.net.nz Sat Dec 31 09:23:24 2011 From: stantonfield at clear.net.nz (stantonfield) Date: Sat Dec 31 09:23:32 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <11998A2303BF478BA040FA19C0D4D3CE@stantonfieldPC> Couldn`t agree more , Congratulations to Ross. His hard work, sincerity and dedication made him richly deserving of this award. Simon ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ben Kepes" To: "VollyNet" Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:38 AM Subject: [VollyNet] QSM > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was awarded the QSM in > today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ Fire Service > > Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this one. > > ;-) > > Congrats Ross, well deserved > > b > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes > web www.diversity.net.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Internal Virus Database is out of date. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3125 - Release Date: 09/09/10 18:34:00 From shaun.sayer at xtra.co.nz Sat Dec 31 09:28:13 2011 From: shaun.sayer at xtra.co.nz (Shaun Sayer) Date: Sat Dec 31 09:28:27 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <005701ccc731$8e38bdf0$aaaa39d0$@sayer@xtra.co.nz> Also see that Mike Hall got a QSO for services to the State! -----Original Message----- From: vollynet-bounces@vollynet.org.nz [mailto:vollynet-bounces@vollynet.org.nz] On Behalf Of Ben Kepes Sent: Saturday, 31 December 2011 8:38 a.m. To: VollyNet Subject: [VollyNet] QSM VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz ---------------------------------------------------------------- For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was awarded the QSM in today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ Fire Service Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this one. ;-) Congrats Ross, well deserved b Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes web www.diversity.net.nz ---------------------------------------------------------------- MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4710 - Release Date: 12/29/11 ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4710 - Release Date: 12/29/11 From tds_4 at hotmail.com Sat Dec 31 09:32:07 2011 From: tds_4 at hotmail.com (Tristan Saunders) Date: Sat Dec 31 09:32:20 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM In-Reply-To: <11998A2303BF478BA040FA19C0D4D3CE@stantonfieldPC> References: , <11998A2303BF478BA040FA19C0D4D3CE@stantonfieldPC> Message-ID: hes not the only one.. > Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:23:24 +1300 > From: stantonfield@clear.net.nz > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM > To: vollynet@vollynet.org.nz > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > Couldn`t agree more , > Congratulations to Ross. > His hard work, sincerity and dedication made him richly deserving of this > award. > > Simon > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Ben Kepes" > To: "VollyNet" > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:38 AM > Subject: [VollyNet] QSM > > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was awarded the QSM in > > today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ Fire Service > > > > Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this one. > > > > ;-) > > > > Congrats Ross, well deserved > > > > b > > > > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes > > web www.diversity.net.nz > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > Internal Virus Database is out of date. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3125 - Release Date: 09/09/10 > 18:34:00 > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise From 4kings at nettel.net.nz Sat Dec 31 09:50:48 2011 From: 4kings at nettel.net.nz (Ian & Heather King) Date: Sat Dec 31 09:51:19 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM References: Message-ID: <3D0996D78338487C847C9E976E63EF46@SN2938977271> Nice baiting message Ben, the NZPFU probably don't care, after all he does have the 'claim to fame' of being the shortest ever UFBA president which I am assuming is where he got the nomination from (as has been customary). More to the point Mike Hall got the QSQ for services to the state. Congrats Mike, thats well deserved! ----- Original Message ----- From: Ben Kepes To: VollyNet Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:38 AM Subject: [VollyNet] QSM VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz ---------------------------------------------------------------- For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was awarded the QSM in today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ Fire Service Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this one. ;-) Congrats Ross, well deserved b Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes web www.diversity.net.nz ---------------------------------------------------------------- MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise From 4kings at nettel.net.nz Sat Dec 31 09:56:48 2011 From: 4kings at nettel.net.nz (Ian & Heather King) Date: Sat Dec 31 09:57:09 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM References: <11998A2303BF478BA040FA19C0D4D3CE@stantonfieldPC> Message-ID: Interesting though Simon that I am sure there are dozens of volunteer firefighters around the country that work very hard, are sincere and very dedicated, none of whom got any mention? I see the system as slightly corrupt in that the majority of people who receive these honours, especially the higher level ones, generally are well paid for their work and hence are expected to be hard working, sincere and dedicated. I am sure on $360K a year that is part of the reason Mike was all of those things, and I guess to a lesser degree/amount that is the same for Ross Ditmer? ----- Original Message ----- From: stantonfield To: VollyNet Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 9:23 AM Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz ---------------------------------------------------------------- Couldn`t agree more , Congratulations to Ross. His hard work, sincerity and dedication made him richly deserving of this award. Simon ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ben Kepes" To: "VollyNet" Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:38 AM Subject: [VollyNet] QSM > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was awarded the QSM in > today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ Fire Service > > Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this one. > > ;-) > > Congrats Ross, well deserved > > b > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes > web www.diversity.net.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Internal Virus Database is out of date. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3125 - Release Date: 09/09/10 18:34:00 ---------------------------------------------------------------- MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise From ben at diversity.net.nz Sat Dec 31 10:01:51 2011 From: ben at diversity.net.nz (Ben Kepes) Date: Sat Dec 31 10:02:07 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM In-Reply-To: <3D0996D78338487C847C9E976E63EF46@SN2938977271> References: <3D0996D78338487C847C9E976E63EF46@SN2938977271> Message-ID: Well the NZPFU have been calling for him to be hung, drawn and quartered as a precursor to the execution of the guy who appointed him, Rob Saunders. So the fact he's been recognized by the crown would make me conclude that yeah, they'd be a little miffed. What the heck - I'm off to get my IYV bar today, no doubt we'll have a chuckle about it there (along with a biger chuckle about the QSM for one of our locals for services to rowing. Only because he built Lake Ruataniwha when he was meant to be focusing on the Waitaki dam - but that's another story - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Ruataniwha ) b Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes web www.diversity.net.nz On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 12:50 PM, Ian & Heather King <4kings@nettel.net.nz>wrote: > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > Nice baiting message Ben, the NZPFU probably don't care, after all he does > have the 'claim to fame' of being the shortest ever UFBA president which I > am assuming is where he got the nomination from (as has been customary). > More to the point Mike Hall got the QSQ for services to the state. > Congrats Mike, thats well deserved! > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Ben Kepes > To: VollyNet > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:38 AM > Subject: [VollyNet] QSM > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was awarded the QSM in > today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ Fire Service > > Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this one. > > ;-) > > Congrats Ross, well deserved > > b > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes > web www.diversity.net.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > From 4kings at nettel.net.nz Sat Dec 31 12:13:16 2011 From: 4kings at nettel.net.nz (Ian & Heather King) Date: Sat Dec 31 12:13:44 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM References: <3D0996D78338487C847C9E976E63EF46@SN2938977271> Message-ID: " He's been recognised by the Crown" not quite as it seems. Anyone can nominate anyone for these honours, they are merely rubber stamped by the Crown. As I mentioned before, other than one PP recently who wasn't, the UFBA has been in the habit (rightly or wrongly) of nominating every PP for a Royal Honour the year after they step down, so doesn't actually make anyone any more special or particularly different to the others. I'd put money on it Ian Lyndsay from Browns will get his in the Queens Birthday list. If you remember back many years, every Regional Commander used to get the QFSM before it was dropped, and you could pick who would get the next one etc, and the were merely nominated by that 'old boys network' of the other Regional Commanders? So it does really take away from the whole, hard work, sincerity, dedication concept being a requirement? ----- Original Message ----- From: Ben Kepes To: VollyNet Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 10:01 AM Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz ---------------------------------------------------------------- Well the NZPFU have been calling for him to be hung, drawn and quartered as a precursor to the execution of the guy who appointed him, Rob Saunders. So the fact he's been recognized by the crown would make me conclude that yeah, they'd be a little miffed. What the heck - I'm off to get my IYV bar today, no doubt we'll have a chuckle about it there (along with a biger chuckle about the QSM for one of our locals for services to rowing. Only because he built Lake Ruataniwha when he was meant to be focusing on the Waitaki dam - but that's another story - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Ruataniwha ) b Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes web www.diversity.net.nz On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 12:50 PM, Ian & Heather King <4kings@nettel.net.nz>wrote: > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > Nice baiting message Ben, the NZPFU probably don't care, after all he does > have the 'claim to fame' of being the shortest ever UFBA president which I > am assuming is where he got the nomination from (as has been customary). > More to the point Mike Hall got the QSQ for services to the state. > Congrats Mike, thats well deserved! > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Ben Kepes > To: VollyNet > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:38 AM > Subject: [VollyNet] QSM > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was awarded the QSM in > today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ Fire Service > > Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this one. > > ;-) > > Congrats Ross, well deserved > > b > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes > web www.diversity.net.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > ---------------------------------------------------------------- MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise From tds_4 at hotmail.com Sat Dec 31 15:06:04 2011 From: tds_4 at hotmail.com (Tristan Saunders) Date: Sat Dec 31 15:06:24 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM In-Reply-To: References: , <11998A2303BF478BA040FA19C0D4D3CE@stantonfieldPC>, Message-ID: Here Here, Bit like a knighthood for being successful in your paid employment.. > From: 4kings@nettel.net.nz > To: vollynet@vollynet.org.nz > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM > Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:56:48 +1300 > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > Interesting though Simon that I am sure there are dozens of volunteer firefighters around the country that work very hard, are sincere and very dedicated, none of whom got any mention? I see the system as slightly corrupt in that the majority of people who receive these honours, especially the higher level ones, generally are well paid for their work and hence are expected to be hard working, sincere and dedicated. I am sure on $360K a year that is part of the reason Mike was all of those things, and I guess to a lesser degree/amount that is the same for Ross Ditmer? > ----- Original Message ----- > From: stantonfield > To: VollyNet > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 9:23 AM > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > Couldn`t agree more , > Congratulations to Ross. > His hard work, sincerity and dedication made him richly deserving of this > award. > > Simon > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Ben Kepes" > To: "VollyNet" > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:38 AM > Subject: [VollyNet] QSM > > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was awarded the QSM in > > today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ Fire Service > > > > Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this one. > > > > ;-) > > > > Congrats Ross, well deserved > > > > b > > > > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes > > web www.diversity.net.nz > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > Internal Virus Database is out of date. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3125 - Release Date: 09/09/10 > 18:34:00 > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise From ben at diversity.net.nz Sat Dec 31 17:12:47 2011 From: ben at diversity.net.nz (Ben Kepes) Date: Sat Dec 31 17:13:12 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM In-Reply-To: References: <11998A2303BF478BA040FA19C0D4D3CE@stantonfieldPC> Message-ID: OK here goes.... Actually, first a disclosure. I'm an SO in North Canterbury so I serve under Ross. However anyone who knows me or reads what I write will see I'm not shy of calling a spade a manually operated instrument for digging and will take what I say at face value. That and the fact that I have a full and busy career outside of the NZFS and despite being committed to my Fire Service role, it doesn't give me sufficient jollies to make complimentary statements about superiors just in order to curry favour. Put simply, while lots of vollies (present company excepted) get their rocks off from the power trip, and would do anything to move up the pole, I ain't one of them, my rocks are dedicated to important things, like the latest web browser, or solid state hard drives for instance... So.. that said... - Ross was, in my view, awarded the medal in recognition for his role as Past president of el grande UFBA - Notwithstanding that, Ross has a long and committed history of service as both a volunteer and more recently a paid officer and, in my humble view, this makes his award all the more appropriate than some "stuffed shirt" who has merely done his time - In no way does Ross' award diminish the fact that we all put in exemplary service for our communities, rather this year his award, and those others given to NZFS staffers is a proxy recognition of us all - In my day job (well one of my many) I am the "figurehead" for a large and reasonably high profile community (at least within one particular sector). As such I get a lot of recognition for what I do. I also realise every day that I am only able to do what I do because of the team of people behind me doing sometimes menial tasks to enable the community to flourish. I thank them on a regular basis, and am keen to ensure that my glory (inasmuch as there is any) is their glory also - I would fully expect that Ross will consider his award to be something jointly "owned" by all of us In terms of him being recognized for doing his job. I don't know what Ross is paid and, frankly I don't care. I do know that Fire Service roles are paid pretty poorly when compared to roles in other industries (IT for example). Anyone that drops sour comments about someone earning $360k needing to be dedicated and hard working is missing the point entirely... Which nicely circles back to my pet hate of small minded emergency service personnel who have an old fashioned and outdated view of the world But it's New Year's eve and I'm going to go and have a beer and leave that argument for another day b Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes web www.diversity.net.nz On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 6:06 PM, Tristan Saunders wrote: > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > Here Here, > Bit like a knighthood for being successful in your paid employment.. > > > > From: 4kings@nettel.net.nz > > To: vollynet@vollynet.org.nz > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM > > Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:56:48 +1300 > > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > Interesting though Simon that I am sure there are dozens of volunteer > firefighters around the country that work very hard, are sincere and very > dedicated, none of whom got any mention? I see the system as slightly > corrupt in that the majority of people who receive these honours, > especially the higher level ones, generally are well paid for their work > and hence are expected to be hard working, sincere and dedicated. I am sure > on $360K a year that is part of the reason Mike was all of those things, > and I guess to a lesser degree/amount that is the same for Ross Ditmer? > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: stantonfield > > To: VollyNet > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 9:23 AM > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM > > > > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > Couldn`t agree more , > > Congratulations to Ross. > > His hard work, sincerity and dedication made him richly deserving of > this > > award. > > > > Simon > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Ben Kepes" > > To: "VollyNet" > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:38 AM > > Subject: [VollyNet] QSM > > > > > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > > For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was awarded the > QSM in > > > today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ Fire > Service > > > > > > Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this one. > > > > > > ;-) > > > > > > Congrats Ross, well deserved > > > > > > b > > > > > > > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > > > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > > > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes > > > web www.diversity.net.nz > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > > > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > > > > > Internal Virus Database is out of date. > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > > Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3125 - Release Date: > 09/09/10 > > 18:34:00 > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > From 4kings at nettel.net.nz Sat Dec 31 17:31:17 2011 From: 4kings at nettel.net.nz (Ian & Heather King) Date: Sat Dec 31 17:31:53 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM References: <11998A2303BF478BA040FA19C0D4D3CE@stantonfieldPC> Message-ID: Ben I guess as most of your comments are directed at my earlier posting, I'll clarify a little. Nowhere did I mention the "sour grapes" about Mike Hall earning $360K pa. I don't care what he earns but merely pointed out with that sort of income it can be easy to be hard working, sincere and dedicated. As a volly CFO with 40 years of long and committed service this coming year, I am hard working, sincere and dedicated too. I am sure many people in the FS community who know me, both on and off this site, will testify to that. As to being "small minded with an old fashioned and outdated view of the world", again I think this comment is totally irrelevant. Speak to my peers and workmates both paid and volunteer and you will find they say I am probably one of the most forward thinking firefighters in the NZFS? So thats where my realistic comments about life, the Fire Service, and who gets a gong and for why come from? Sorry if I upset you and your relationship with Ross. Happy New Year to all in Nth Canterbury brigades. Ian ----- Original Message ----- From: Ben Kepes To: VollyNet Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 5:12 PM Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz ---------------------------------------------------------------- OK here goes.... Actually, first a disclosure. I'm an SO in North Canterbury so I serve under Ross. However anyone who knows me or reads what I write will see I'm not shy of calling a spade a manually operated instrument for digging and will take what I say at face value. That and the fact that I have a full and busy career outside of the NZFS and despite being committed to my Fire Service role, it doesn't give me sufficient jollies to make complimentary statements about superiors just in order to curry favour. Put simply, while lots of vollies (present company excepted) get their rocks off from the power trip, and would do anything to move up the pole, I ain't one of them, my rocks are dedicated to important things, like the latest web browser, or solid state hard drives for instance... So.. that said... - Ross was, in my view, awarded the medal in recognition for his role as Past president of el grande UFBA - Notwithstanding that, Ross has a long and committed history of service as both a volunteer and more recently a paid officer and, in my humble view, this makes his award all the more appropriate than some "stuffed shirt" who has merely done his time - In no way does Ross' award diminish the fact that we all put in exemplary service for our communities, rather this year his award, and those others given to NZFS staffers is a proxy recognition of us all - In my day job (well one of my many) I am the "figurehead" for a large and reasonably high profile community (at least within one particular sector). As such I get a lot of recognition for what I do. I also realise every day that I am only able to do what I do because of the team of people behind me doing sometimes menial tasks to enable the community to flourish. I thank them on a regular basis, and am keen to ensure that my glory (inasmuch as there is any) is their glory also - I would fully expect that Ross will consider his award to be something jointly "owned" by all of us In terms of him being recognized for doing his job. I don't know what Ross is paid and, frankly I don't care. I do know that Fire Service roles are paid pretty poorly when compared to roles in other industries (IT for example). Anyone that drops sour comments about someone earning $360k needing to be dedicated and hard working is missing the point entirely... Which nicely circles back to my pet hate of small minded emergency service personnel who have an old fashioned and outdated view of the world But it's New Year's eve and I'm going to go and have a beer and leave that argument for another day b Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes web www.diversity.net.nz On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 6:06 PM, Tristan Saunders wrote: > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > Here Here, > Bit like a knighthood for being successful in your paid employment.. > > > > From: 4kings@nettel.net.nz > > To: vollynet@vollynet.org.nz > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM > > Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:56:48 +1300 > > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > Interesting though Simon that I am sure there are dozens of volunteer > firefighters around the country that work very hard, are sincere and very > dedicated, none of whom got any mention? I see the system as slightly > corrupt in that the majority of people who receive these honours, > especially the higher level ones, generally are well paid for their work > and hence are expected to be hard working, sincere and dedicated. I am sure > on $360K a year that is part of the reason Mike was all of those things, > and I guess to a lesser degree/amount that is the same for Ross Ditmer? > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: stantonfield > > To: VollyNet > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 9:23 AM > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM > > > > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > Couldn`t agree more , > > Congratulations to Ross. > > His hard work, sincerity and dedication made him richly deserving of > this > > award. > > > > Simon > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Ben Kepes" > > To: "VollyNet" > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:38 AM > > Subject: [VollyNet] QSM > > > > > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > > For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was awarded the > QSM in > > > today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ Fire > Service > > > > > > Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this one. > > > > > > ;-) > > > > > > Congrats Ross, well deserved > > > > > > b > > > > > > > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > > > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > > > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes > > > web www.diversity.net.nz > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > > > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > > > > > Internal Virus Database is out of date. > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > > Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3125 - Release Date: > 09/09/10 > > 18:34:00 > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > ---------------------------------------------------------------- MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise From ben at diversity.net.nz Sat Dec 31 17:46:44 2011 From: ben at diversity.net.nz (Ben Kepes) Date: Sat Dec 31 17:47:06 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM In-Reply-To: References: <11998A2303BF478BA040FA19C0D4D3CE@stantonfieldPC> Message-ID: Ian All good - I wasn't upset, and wasn't trying to suggest that you were anything other than dedicated and hard-working. I would say though as someone who spends their working like in an area where $360k per annum isn't such an outlandish figure, that Mike should do his job no differently at $360k than if he was doing it for free. It's something that's hard to understand until you're there but the salary is really a red herring. Which brings us back to the "figurehead getting an honour on behalf of his crew". This is where Mike (as CEO/NC) and Ross (as IPP UFBA) come in - they're the individual recipients of a communal award is all... Kind of the same way that you, as CFO, get to go to all the funky events and functions, but do so as the representative of the troops underneath you. Happy days b Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes web www.diversity.net.nz On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 8:31 PM, Ian & Heather King <4kings@nettel.net.nz>wrote: > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > Ben > I guess as most of your comments are directed at my earlier posting, I'll > clarify a little. Nowhere did I mention the "sour grapes" about Mike Hall > earning $360K pa. I don't care what he earns but merely pointed out with > that sort of income it can be easy to be hard working, sincere and > dedicated. As a volly CFO with 40 years of long and committed service this > coming year, I am hard working, sincere and dedicated too. I am sure many > people in the FS community who know me, both on and off this site, will > testify to that. As to being "small minded with an old fashioned and > outdated view of the world", again I think this comment is totally > irrelevant. Speak to my peers and workmates both paid and volunteer and you > will find they say I am probably one of the most forward thinking > firefighters in the NZFS? > So thats where my realistic comments about life, the Fire Service, and who > gets a gong and for why come from? Sorry if I upset you and your > relationship with Ross. > Happy New Year to all in Nth Canterbury brigades. > Ian > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Ben Kepes > To: VollyNet > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 5:12 PM > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > OK here goes.... > > Actually, first a disclosure. I'm an SO in North Canterbury so I serve > under Ross. However anyone who knows me or reads what I write will see I'm > not shy of calling a spade a manually operated instrument for digging and > will take what I say at face value. That and the fact that I have a full > and busy career outside of the NZFS and despite being committed to my Fire > Service role, it doesn't give me sufficient jollies to make complimentary > statements about superiors just in order to curry favour. Put simply, > while > lots of vollies (present company excepted) get their rocks off from the > power trip, and would do anything to move up the pole, I ain't one of > them, > my rocks are dedicated to important things, like the latest web browser, > or > solid state hard drives for instance... > > So.. that said... > > - Ross was, in my view, awarded the medal in recognition for his role > as > Past president of el grande UFBA > - Notwithstanding that, Ross has a long and committed history of > service > as both a volunteer and more recently a paid officer and, in my humble > view, this makes his award all the more appropriate than some "stuffed > shirt" who has merely done his time > - In no way does Ross' award diminish the fact that we all put in > exemplary service for our communities, rather this year his award, and > those others given to NZFS staffers is a proxy recognition of us all > - In my day job (well one of my many) I am the "figurehead" for a > large > and reasonably high profile community (at least within one particular > sector). As such I get a lot of recognition for what I do. I also > realise > every day that I am only able to do what I do because of the team of > people > behind me doing sometimes menial tasks to enable the community to > flourish. > I thank them on a regular basis, and am keen to ensure that my glory > (inasmuch as there is any) is their glory also - I would fully expect > that > Ross will consider his award to be something jointly "owned" by all of > us > > In terms of him being recognized for doing his job. I don't know what Ross > is paid and, frankly I don't care. I do know that Fire Service roles are > paid pretty poorly when compared to roles in other industries (IT for > example). Anyone that drops sour comments about someone earning $360k > needing to be dedicated and hard working is missing the point entirely... > > Which nicely circles back to my pet hate of small minded emergency service > personnel who have an old fashioned and outdated view of the world > > But it's New Year's eve and I'm going to go and have a beer and leave that > argument for another day > > b > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes > web www.diversity.net.nz > > > > > On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 6:06 PM, Tristan Saunders > wrote: > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > Here Here, > > Bit like a knighthood for being successful in your paid employment.. > > > > > > > From: 4kings@nettel.net.nz > > > To: vollynet@vollynet.org.nz > > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM > > > Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:56:48 +1300 > > > > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > > Interesting though Simon that I am sure there are dozens of volunteer > > firefighters around the country that work very hard, are sincere and > very > > dedicated, none of whom got any mention? I see the system as slightly > > corrupt in that the majority of people who receive these honours, > > especially the higher level ones, generally are well paid for their work > > and hence are expected to be hard working, sincere and dedicated. I am > sure > > on $360K a year that is part of the reason Mike was all of those things, > > and I guess to a lesser degree/amount that is the same for Ross Ditmer? > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: stantonfield > > > To: VollyNet > > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 9:23 AM > > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM > > > > > > > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > > Couldn`t agree more , > > > Congratulations to Ross. > > > His hard work, sincerity and dedication made him richly deserving of > > this > > > award. > > > > > > Simon > > > > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: "Ben Kepes" > > > To: "VollyNet" > > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:38 AM > > > Subject: [VollyNet] QSM > > > > > > > > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > > > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was awarded the > > QSM in > > > > today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ Fire > > Service > > > > > > > > Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this one. > > > > > > > > ;-) > > > > > > > > Congrats Ross, well deserved > > > > > > > > b > > > > > > > > > > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > > > > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > > > > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes < > http://twitter.com/benkepes> > > > > web www.diversity.net.nz > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > > > > > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > > > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > > > > > > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > > > > > > > > > Internal Virus Database is out of date. > > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > > > Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3125 - Release Date: > > 09/09/10 > > > 18:34:00 > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > > > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > > > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > From ben at diversity.net.nz Sat Dec 31 17:53:16 2011 From: ben at diversity.net.nz (Ben Kepes) Date: Sat Dec 31 17:53:33 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM In-Reply-To: References: <11998A2303BF478BA040FA19C0D4D3CE@stantonfieldPC> Message-ID: Ian Just a note, hopefully my posts(s) didn't come across as patronising - they weren't meant to be. It's just that we all work in different areas and hence have different perspectives to share Cheers b Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes web www.diversity.net.nz On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 8:46 PM, Ben Kepes wrote: > Ian > > All good - I wasn't upset, and wasn't trying to suggest that you were > anything other than dedicated and hard-working. I would say though as > someone who spends their working like in an area where $360k per annum > isn't such an outlandish figure, that Mike should do his job no differently > at $360k than if he was doing it for free. It's something that's hard to > understand until you're there but the salary is really a red herring. > > Which brings us back to the "figurehead getting an honour on behalf of his > crew". This is where Mike (as CEO/NC) and Ross (as IPP UFBA) come in - > they're the individual recipients of a communal award is all... > > Kind of the same way that you, as CFO, get to go to all the funky events > and functions, but do so as the representative of the troops underneath you. > > Happy days > > b > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes > web www.diversity.net.nz > > > > > On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 8:31 PM, Ian & Heather King <4kings@nettel.net.nz>wrote: > >> VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> Ben >> I guess as most of your comments are directed at my earlier posting, I'll >> clarify a little. Nowhere did I mention the "sour grapes" about Mike Hall >> earning $360K pa. I don't care what he earns but merely pointed out with >> that sort of income it can be easy to be hard working, sincere and >> dedicated. As a volly CFO with 40 years of long and committed service this >> coming year, I am hard working, sincere and dedicated too. I am sure many >> people in the FS community who know me, both on and off this site, will >> testify to that. As to being "small minded with an old fashioned and >> outdated view of the world", again I think this comment is totally >> irrelevant. Speak to my peers and workmates both paid and volunteer and you >> will find they say I am probably one of the most forward thinking >> firefighters in the NZFS? >> So thats where my realistic comments about life, the Fire Service, and >> who gets a gong and for why come from? Sorry if I upset you and your >> relationship with Ross. >> Happy New Year to all in Nth Canterbury brigades. >> Ian >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: Ben Kepes >> To: VollyNet >> Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 5:12 PM >> Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >> >> >> VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> OK here goes.... >> >> Actually, first a disclosure. I'm an SO in North Canterbury so I serve >> under Ross. However anyone who knows me or reads what I write will see >> I'm >> not shy of calling a spade a manually operated instrument for digging and >> will take what I say at face value. That and the fact that I have a full >> and busy career outside of the NZFS and despite being committed to my >> Fire >> Service role, it doesn't give me sufficient jollies to make complimentary >> statements about superiors just in order to curry favour. Put simply, >> while >> lots of vollies (present company excepted) get their rocks off from the >> power trip, and would do anything to move up the pole, I ain't one of >> them, >> my rocks are dedicated to important things, like the latest web browser, >> or >> solid state hard drives for instance... >> >> So.. that said... >> >> - Ross was, in my view, awarded the medal in recognition for his >> role as >> Past president of el grande UFBA >> - Notwithstanding that, Ross has a long and committed history of >> service >> as both a volunteer and more recently a paid officer and, in my >> humble >> view, this makes his award all the more appropriate than some "stuffed >> shirt" who has merely done his time >> - In no way does Ross' award diminish the fact that we all put in >> exemplary service for our communities, rather this year his award, >> and >> those others given to NZFS staffers is a proxy recognition of us all >> - In my day job (well one of my many) I am the "figurehead" for a >> large >> and reasonably high profile community (at least within one particular >> sector). As such I get a lot of recognition for what I do. I also >> realise >> every day that I am only able to do what I do because of the team of >> people >> behind me doing sometimes menial tasks to enable the community to >> flourish. >> I thank them on a regular basis, and am keen to ensure that my glory >> (inasmuch as there is any) is their glory also - I would fully expect >> that >> Ross will consider his award to be something jointly "owned" by all >> of us >> >> In terms of him being recognized for doing his job. I don't know what >> Ross >> is paid and, frankly I don't care. I do know that Fire Service roles are >> paid pretty poorly when compared to roles in other industries (IT for >> example). Anyone that drops sour comments about someone earning $360k >> needing to be dedicated and hard working is missing the point entirely... >> >> Which nicely circles back to my pet hate of small minded emergency >> service >> personnel who have an old fashioned and outdated view of the world >> >> But it's New Year's eve and I'm going to go and have a beer and leave >> that >> argument for another day >> >> b >> >> >> Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited >> E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 >> skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes >> web www.diversity.net.nz >> >> >> >> >> On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 6:06 PM, Tristan Saunders >> wrote: >> >> > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > >> > Here Here, >> > Bit like a knighthood for being successful in your paid employment.. >> > >> > >> > > From: 4kings@nettel.net.nz >> > > To: vollynet@vollynet.org.nz >> > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >> > > Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:56:48 +1300 >> > > >> > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > Interesting though Simon that I am sure there are dozens of volunteer >> > firefighters around the country that work very hard, are sincere and >> very >> > dedicated, none of whom got any mention? I see the system as slightly >> > corrupt in that the majority of people who receive these honours, >> > especially the higher level ones, generally are well paid for their >> work >> > and hence are expected to be hard working, sincere and dedicated. I am >> sure >> > on $360K a year that is part of the reason Mike was all of those >> things, >> > and I guess to a lesser degree/amount that is the same for Ross Ditmer? >> > > ----- Original Message ----- >> > > From: stantonfield >> > > To: VollyNet >> > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 9:23 AM >> > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >> > > >> > > >> > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > Couldn`t agree more , >> > > Congratulations to Ross. >> > > His hard work, sincerity and dedication made him richly deserving >> of >> > this >> > > award. >> > > >> > > Simon >> > > >> > > >> > > ----- Original Message ----- >> > > From: "Ben Kepes" >> > > To: "VollyNet" >> > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:38 AM >> > > Subject: [VollyNet] QSM >> > > >> > > >> > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> > > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > > For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was awarded >> the >> > QSM in >> > > > today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ Fire >> > Service >> > > > >> > > > Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this one. >> > > > >> > > > ;-) >> > > > >> > > > Congrats Ross, well deserved >> > > > >> > > > b >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited >> > > > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 >> > > > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes < >> http://twitter.com/benkepes> >> > > > web www.diversity.net.nz >> > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> > > > >> > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> > > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > Internal Virus Database is out of date. >> > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >> > > Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3125 - Release Date: >> > 09/09/10 >> > > 18:34:00 >> > > >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> > > >> > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> > > >> > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > >> > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> > >> > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> >> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> >> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > > From kiwis1 at slingshot.co.nz Sat Dec 31 18:32:28 2011 From: kiwis1 at slingshot.co.nz (Stephen) Date: Sat Dec 31 18:32:39 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM In-Reply-To: References: <11998A2303BF478BA040FA19C0D4D3CE@stantonfieldPC> Message-ID: <001d01ccc77d$95ee8ce0$c1cba6a0$@co.nz> I couldn't find on the gong handout list today the award I am waiting with bated breath to see given out:- MONZITFU Member of the Order of NZ IT Fixer Ups Recipient for 2011:- Not this year sorry, no one at the FS took up the Intranet challenge Stephen From 4kings at nettel.net.nz Sat Dec 31 18:46:02 2011 From: 4kings at nettel.net.nz (Ian & Heather King) Date: Sat Dec 31 18:46:35 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM References: <11998A2303BF478BA040FA19C0D4D3CE@stantonfieldPC> Message-ID: <2C18557D1920463AA4EBAEAB9DEAAFFD@SN2938977271> Nature of the beast Ben in an organisation that has 10,000 members, there's got to be a few weirdo's amongst all that! ----- Original Message ----- From: Ben Kepes To: VollyNet Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 5:53 PM Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz ---------------------------------------------------------------- Ian Just a note, hopefully my posts(s) didn't come across as patronising - they weren't meant to be. It's just that we all work in different areas and hence have different perspectives to share Cheers b Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes web www.diversity.net.nz On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 8:46 PM, Ben Kepes wrote: > Ian > > All good - I wasn't upset, and wasn't trying to suggest that you were > anything other than dedicated and hard-working. I would say though as > someone who spends their working like in an area where $360k per annum > isn't such an outlandish figure, that Mike should do his job no differently > at $360k than if he was doing it for free. It's something that's hard to > understand until you're there but the salary is really a red herring. > > Which brings us back to the "figurehead getting an honour on behalf of his > crew". This is where Mike (as CEO/NC) and Ross (as IPP UFBA) come in - > they're the individual recipients of a communal award is all... > > Kind of the same way that you, as CFO, get to go to all the funky events > and functions, but do so as the representative of the troops underneath you. > > Happy days > > b > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes > web www.diversity.net.nz > > > > > On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 8:31 PM, Ian & Heather King <4kings@nettel.net.nz>wrote: > >> VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> Ben >> I guess as most of your comments are directed at my earlier posting, I'll >> clarify a little. Nowhere did I mention the "sour grapes" about Mike Hall >> earning $360K pa. I don't care what he earns but merely pointed out with >> that sort of income it can be easy to be hard working, sincere and >> dedicated. As a volly CFO with 40 years of long and committed service this >> coming year, I am hard working, sincere and dedicated too. I am sure many >> people in the FS community who know me, both on and off this site, will >> testify to that. As to being "small minded with an old fashioned and >> outdated view of the world", again I think this comment is totally >> irrelevant. Speak to my peers and workmates both paid and volunteer and you >> will find they say I am probably one of the most forward thinking >> firefighters in the NZFS? >> So thats where my realistic comments about life, the Fire Service, and >> who gets a gong and for why come from? Sorry if I upset you and your >> relationship with Ross. >> Happy New Year to all in Nth Canterbury brigades. >> Ian >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: Ben Kepes >> To: VollyNet >> Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 5:12 PM >> Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >> >> >> VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> OK here goes.... >> >> Actually, first a disclosure. I'm an SO in North Canterbury so I serve >> under Ross. However anyone who knows me or reads what I write will see >> I'm >> not shy of calling a spade a manually operated instrument for digging and >> will take what I say at face value. That and the fact that I have a full >> and busy career outside of the NZFS and despite being committed to my >> Fire >> Service role, it doesn't give me sufficient jollies to make complimentary >> statements about superiors just in order to curry favour. Put simply, >> while >> lots of vollies (present company excepted) get their rocks off from the >> power trip, and would do anything to move up the pole, I ain't one of >> them, >> my rocks are dedicated to important things, like the latest web browser, >> or >> solid state hard drives for instance... >> >> So.. that said... >> >> - Ross was, in my view, awarded the medal in recognition for his >> role as >> Past president of el grande UFBA >> - Notwithstanding that, Ross has a long and committed history of >> service >> as both a volunteer and more recently a paid officer and, in my >> humble >> view, this makes his award all the more appropriate than some "stuffed >> shirt" who has merely done his time >> - In no way does Ross' award diminish the fact that we all put in >> exemplary service for our communities, rather this year his award, >> and >> those others given to NZFS staffers is a proxy recognition of us all >> - In my day job (well one of my many) I am the "figurehead" for a >> large >> and reasonably high profile community (at least within one particular >> sector). As such I get a lot of recognition for what I do. I also >> realise >> every day that I am only able to do what I do because of the team of >> people >> behind me doing sometimes menial tasks to enable the community to >> flourish. >> I thank them on a regular basis, and am keen to ensure that my glory >> (inasmuch as there is any) is their glory also - I would fully expect >> that >> Ross will consider his award to be something jointly "owned" by all >> of us >> >> In terms of him being recognized for doing his job. I don't know what >> Ross >> is paid and, frankly I don't care. I do know that Fire Service roles are >> paid pretty poorly when compared to roles in other industries (IT for >> example). Anyone that drops sour comments about someone earning $360k >> needing to be dedicated and hard working is missing the point entirely... >> >> Which nicely circles back to my pet hate of small minded emergency >> service >> personnel who have an old fashioned and outdated view of the world >> >> But it's New Year's eve and I'm going to go and have a beer and leave >> that >> argument for another day >> >> b >> >> >> Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited >> E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 >> skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes >> web www.diversity.net.nz >> >> >> >> >> On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 6:06 PM, Tristan Saunders >> wrote: >> >> > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > >> > Here Here, >> > Bit like a knighthood for being successful in your paid employment.. >> > >> > >> > > From: 4kings@nettel.net.nz >> > > To: vollynet@vollynet.org.nz >> > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >> > > Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:56:48 +1300 >> > > >> > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > Interesting though Simon that I am sure there are dozens of volunteer >> > firefighters around the country that work very hard, are sincere and >> very >> > dedicated, none of whom got any mention? I see the system as slightly >> > corrupt in that the majority of people who receive these honours, >> > especially the higher level ones, generally are well paid for their >> work >> > and hence are expected to be hard working, sincere and dedicated. I am >> sure >> > on $360K a year that is part of the reason Mike was all of those >> things, >> > and I guess to a lesser degree/amount that is the same for Ross Ditmer? >> > > ----- Original Message ----- >> > > From: stantonfield >> > > To: VollyNet >> > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 9:23 AM >> > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >> > > >> > > >> > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > Couldn`t agree more , >> > > Congratulations to Ross. >> > > His hard work, sincerity and dedication made him richly deserving >> of >> > this >> > > award. >> > > >> > > Simon >> > > >> > > >> > > ----- Original Message ----- >> > > From: "Ben Kepes" >> > > To: "VollyNet" >> > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:38 AM >> > > Subject: [VollyNet] QSM >> > > >> > > >> > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> > > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > > For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was awarded >> the >> > QSM in >> > > > today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ Fire >> > Service >> > > > >> > > > Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this one. >> > > > >> > > > ;-) >> > > > >> > > > Congrats Ross, well deserved >> > > > >> > > > b >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited >> > > > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 >> > > > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes < >> http://twitter.com/benkepes> >> > > > web www.diversity.net.nz >> > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> > > > >> > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> > > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > Internal Virus Database is out of date. >> > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >> > > Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3125 - Release Date: >> > 09/09/10 >> > > 18:34:00 >> > > >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> > > >> > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> > > >> > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > >> > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> > >> > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> >> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> >> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise From 4kings at nettel.net.nz Sat Dec 31 18:47:01 2011 From: 4kings at nettel.net.nz (Ian & Heather King) Date: Sat Dec 31 18:47:21 2011 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM References: <11998A2303BF478BA040FA19C0D4D3CE@stantonfieldPC> <001d01ccc77d$95ee8ce0$c1cba6a0$@co.nz> Message-ID: <22FA22FE188C4C9E86BD5AFC145EA1B4@SN2938977271> I think they got the other FU award!!! ----- Original Message ----- From: Stephen To: 'VollyNet' Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 6:32 PM Subject: RE: [VollyNet] QSM VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz ---------------------------------------------------------------- I couldn't find on the gong handout list today the award I am waiting with bated breath to see given out:- MONZITFU Member of the Order of NZ IT Fixer Ups Recipient for 2011:- Not this year sorry, no one at the FS took up the Intranet challenge Stephen ---------------------------------------------------------------- MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise From shaun.sayer at xtra.co.nz Sun Jan 1 12:41:00 2012 From: shaun.sayer at xtra.co.nz (Shaun Sayer) Date: Sun Jan 1 12:41:19 2012 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM In-Reply-To: References: <11998A2303BF478BA040FA19C0D4D3CE@stantonfieldPC> Message-ID: <002801ccc815$a702d1b0$f5087510$@sayer@xtra.co.nz> It's alright if it is patronizing Ben as after all he is Vollynet patron.... LoL Happy New Year everyone! -----Original Message----- From: vollynet-bounces@vollynet.org.nz [mailto:vollynet-bounces@vollynet.org.nz] On Behalf Of Ben Kepes Sent: Saturday, 31 December 2011 5:53 p.m. To: VollyNet Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz ---------------------------------------------------------------- Ian Just a note, hopefully my posts(s) didn't come across as patronising - they weren't meant to be. It's just that we all work in different areas and hence have different perspectives to share Cheers b Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes web www.diversity.net.nz On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 8:46 PM, Ben Kepes wrote: > Ian > > All good - I wasn't upset, and wasn't trying to suggest that you were > anything other than dedicated and hard-working. I would say though as > someone who spends their working like in an area where $360k per annum > isn't such an outlandish figure, that Mike should do his job no differently > at $360k than if he was doing it for free. It's something that's hard to > understand until you're there but the salary is really a red herring. > > Which brings us back to the "figurehead getting an honour on behalf of his > crew". This is where Mike (as CEO/NC) and Ross (as IPP UFBA) come in - > they're the individual recipients of a communal award is all... > > Kind of the same way that you, as CFO, get to go to all the funky events > and functions, but do so as the representative of the troops underneath you. > > Happy days > > b > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes > web www.diversity.net.nz > > > > > On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 8:31 PM, Ian & Heather King <4kings@nettel.net.nz>wrote: > >> VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> Ben >> I guess as most of your comments are directed at my earlier posting, I'll >> clarify a little. Nowhere did I mention the "sour grapes" about Mike Hall >> earning $360K pa. I don't care what he earns but merely pointed out with >> that sort of income it can be easy to be hard working, sincere and >> dedicated. As a volly CFO with 40 years of long and committed service this >> coming year, I am hard working, sincere and dedicated too. I am sure many >> people in the FS community who know me, both on and off this site, will >> testify to that. As to being "small minded with an old fashioned and >> outdated view of the world", again I think this comment is totally >> irrelevant. Speak to my peers and workmates both paid and volunteer and you >> will find they say I am probably one of the most forward thinking >> firefighters in the NZFS? >> So thats where my realistic comments about life, the Fire Service, and >> who gets a gong and for why come from? Sorry if I upset you and your >> relationship with Ross. >> Happy New Year to all in Nth Canterbury brigades. >> Ian >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: Ben Kepes >> To: VollyNet >> Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 5:12 PM >> Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >> >> >> VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> OK here goes.... >> >> Actually, first a disclosure. I'm an SO in North Canterbury so I serve >> under Ross. However anyone who knows me or reads what I write will see >> I'm >> not shy of calling a spade a manually operated instrument for digging and >> will take what I say at face value. That and the fact that I have a full >> and busy career outside of the NZFS and despite being committed to my >> Fire >> Service role, it doesn't give me sufficient jollies to make complimentary >> statements about superiors just in order to curry favour. Put simply, >> while >> lots of vollies (present company excepted) get their rocks off from the >> power trip, and would do anything to move up the pole, I ain't one of >> them, >> my rocks are dedicated to important things, like the latest web browser, >> or >> solid state hard drives for instance... >> >> So.. that said... >> >> - Ross was, in my view, awarded the medal in recognition for his >> role as >> Past president of el grande UFBA >> - Notwithstanding that, Ross has a long and committed history of >> service >> as both a volunteer and more recently a paid officer and, in my >> humble >> view, this makes his award all the more appropriate than some "stuffed >> shirt" who has merely done his time >> - In no way does Ross' award diminish the fact that we all put in >> exemplary service for our communities, rather this year his award, >> and >> those others given to NZFS staffers is a proxy recognition of us all >> - In my day job (well one of my many) I am the "figurehead" for a >> large >> and reasonably high profile community (at least within one particular >> sector). As such I get a lot of recognition for what I do. I also >> realise >> every day that I am only able to do what I do because of the team of >> people >> behind me doing sometimes menial tasks to enable the community to >> flourish. >> I thank them on a regular basis, and am keen to ensure that my glory >> (inasmuch as there is any) is their glory also - I would fully expect >> that >> Ross will consider his award to be something jointly "owned" by all >> of us >> >> In terms of him being recognized for doing his job. I don't know what >> Ross >> is paid and, frankly I don't care. I do know that Fire Service roles are >> paid pretty poorly when compared to roles in other industries (IT for >> example). Anyone that drops sour comments about someone earning $360k >> needing to be dedicated and hard working is missing the point entirely... >> >> Which nicely circles back to my pet hate of small minded emergency >> service >> personnel who have an old fashioned and outdated view of the world >> >> But it's New Year's eve and I'm going to go and have a beer and leave >> that >> argument for another day >> >> b >> >> >> Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited >> E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 >> skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes >> web www.diversity.net.nz >> >> >> >> >> On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 6:06 PM, Tristan Saunders >> wrote: >> >> > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > >> > Here Here, >> > Bit like a knighthood for being successful in your paid employment.. >> > >> > >> > > From: 4kings@nettel.net.nz >> > > To: vollynet@vollynet.org.nz >> > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >> > > Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:56:48 +1300 >> > > >> > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > Interesting though Simon that I am sure there are dozens of volunteer >> > firefighters around the country that work very hard, are sincere and >> very >> > dedicated, none of whom got any mention? I see the system as slightly >> > corrupt in that the majority of people who receive these honours, >> > especially the higher level ones, generally are well paid for their >> work >> > and hence are expected to be hard working, sincere and dedicated. I am >> sure >> > on $360K a year that is part of the reason Mike was all of those >> things, >> > and I guess to a lesser degree/amount that is the same for Ross Ditmer? >> > > ----- Original Message ----- >> > > From: stantonfield >> > > To: VollyNet >> > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 9:23 AM >> > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >> > > >> > > >> > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > Couldn`t agree more , >> > > Congratulations to Ross. >> > > His hard work, sincerity and dedication made him richly deserving >> of >> > this >> > > award. >> > > >> > > Simon >> > > >> > > >> > > ----- Original Message ----- >> > > From: "Ben Kepes" >> > > To: "VollyNet" >> > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:38 AM >> > > Subject: [VollyNet] QSM >> > > >> > > >> > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> > > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > > For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was awarded >> the >> > QSM in >> > > > today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ Fire >> > Service >> > > > >> > > > Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this one. >> > > > >> > > > ;-) >> > > > >> > > > Congrats Ross, well deserved >> > > > >> > > > b >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited >> > > > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 >> > > > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes < >> http://twitter.com/benkepes> >> > > > web www.diversity.net.nz >> > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> > > > >> > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> > > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > Internal Virus Database is out of date. >> > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >> > > Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3125 - Release Date: >> > 09/09/10 >> > > 18:34:00 >> > > >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> > > >> > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> > > >> > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > >> > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> > >> > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> >> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> >> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4712 - Release Date: 12/30/11 ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4715 - Release Date: 12/31/11 From ben at diversity.net.nz Sun Jan 1 12:45:18 2012 From: ben at diversity.net.nz (Ben Kepes) Date: Sun Jan 1 12:45:37 2012 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM In-Reply-To: <4eff9dcf.6748440a.59c0.301aSMTPIN_ADDED@mx.google.com> References: <11998A2303BF478BA040FA19C0D4D3CE@stantonfieldPC> <4eff9dcf.6748440a.59c0.301aSMTPIN_ADDED@mx.google.com> Message-ID: lol oh and while out for an early morning MTB ride this morning, I was ruminating over something... to all those people who have been simultaneously decrying the concept of fixed terms for CFO/DCFO positions while also complaining that NY honours for only a couple of NZFS people leave the rest of us under appreciated for doing our job, think on this: A five year fixed term is an awesome proxy for recognition, do a great job and you'll be re-appointed; don't and you won't. Simple really.... b Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes web www.diversity.net.nz On Sat, Dec 31, 2011 at 3:41 PM, Shaun Sayer wrote: > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > It's alright if it is patronizing Ben as after all he is Vollynet > patron.... > LoL > > Happy New Year everyone! > > -----Original Message----- > From: vollynet-bounces@vollynet.org.nz > [mailto:vollynet-bounces@vollynet.org.nz] On Behalf Of Ben Kepes > Sent: Saturday, 31 December 2011 5:53 p.m. > To: VollyNet > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > Ian > > Just a note, hopefully my posts(s) didn't come across as patronising - they > weren't meant to be. It's just that we all work in different areas and > hence have different perspectives to share > > Cheers > > b > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes > web www.diversity.net.nz > > > > > On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 8:46 PM, Ben Kepes wrote: > > > Ian > > > > All good - I wasn't upset, and wasn't trying to suggest that you were > > anything other than dedicated and hard-working. I would say though as > > someone who spends their working like in an area where $360k per annum > > isn't such an outlandish figure, that Mike should do his job no > differently > > at $360k than if he was doing it for free. It's something that's hard to > > understand until you're there but the salary is really a red herring. > > > > Which brings us back to the "figurehead getting an honour on behalf of > his > > crew". This is where Mike (as CEO/NC) and Ross (as IPP UFBA) come in - > > they're the individual recipients of a communal award is all... > > > > Kind of the same way that you, as CFO, get to go to all the funky events > > and functions, but do so as the representative of the troops underneath > you. > > > > Happy days > > > > b > > > > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes > > web www.diversity.net.nz > > > > > > > > > > On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 8:31 PM, Ian & Heather King > <4kings@nettel.net.nz>wrote: > > > >> VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > >> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- > >> Ben > >> I guess as most of your comments are directed at my earlier posting, > I'll > >> clarify a little. Nowhere did I mention the "sour grapes" about Mike > Hall > >> earning $360K pa. I don't care what he earns but merely pointed out with > >> that sort of income it can be easy to be hard working, sincere and > >> dedicated. As a volly CFO with 40 years of long and committed service > this > >> coming year, I am hard working, sincere and dedicated too. I am sure > many > >> people in the FS community who know me, both on and off this site, will > >> testify to that. As to being "small minded with an old fashioned and > >> outdated view of the world", again I think this comment is totally > >> irrelevant. Speak to my peers and workmates both paid and volunteer and > you > >> will find they say I am probably one of the most forward thinking > >> firefighters in the NZFS? > >> So thats where my realistic comments about life, the Fire Service, and > >> who gets a gong and for why come from? Sorry if I upset you and your > >> relationship with Ross. > >> Happy New Year to all in Nth Canterbury brigades. > >> Ian > >> ----- Original Message ----- > >> From: Ben Kepes > >> To: VollyNet > >> Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 5:12 PM > >> Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM > >> > >> > >> VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > >> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- > >> OK here goes.... > >> > >> Actually, first a disclosure. I'm an SO in North Canterbury so I serve > >> under Ross. However anyone who knows me or reads what I write will see > >> I'm > >> not shy of calling a spade a manually operated instrument for digging > and > >> will take what I say at face value. That and the fact that I have a > full > >> and busy career outside of the NZFS and despite being committed to my > >> Fire > >> Service role, it doesn't give me sufficient jollies to make > complimentary > >> statements about superiors just in order to curry favour. Put simply, > >> while > >> lots of vollies (present company excepted) get their rocks off from the > >> power trip, and would do anything to move up the pole, I ain't one of > >> them, > >> my rocks are dedicated to important things, like the latest web > browser, > >> or > >> solid state hard drives for instance... > >> > >> So.. that said... > >> > >> - Ross was, in my view, awarded the medal in recognition for his > >> role as > >> Past president of el grande UFBA > >> - Notwithstanding that, Ross has a long and committed history of > >> service > >> as both a volunteer and more recently a paid officer and, in my > >> humble > >> view, this makes his award all the more appropriate than some > "stuffed > >> shirt" who has merely done his time > >> - In no way does Ross' award diminish the fact that we all put in > >> exemplary service for our communities, rather this year his award, > >> and > >> those others given to NZFS staffers is a proxy recognition of us all > >> - In my day job (well one of my many) I am the "figurehead" for a > >> large > >> and reasonably high profile community (at least within one > particular > >> sector). As such I get a lot of recognition for what I do. I also > >> realise > >> every day that I am only able to do what I do because of the team of > >> people > >> behind me doing sometimes menial tasks to enable the community to > >> flourish. > >> I thank them on a regular basis, and am keen to ensure that my glory > >> (inasmuch as there is any) is their glory also - I would fully > expect > >> that > >> Ross will consider his award to be something jointly "owned" by all > >> of us > >> > >> In terms of him being recognized for doing his job. I don't know what > >> Ross > >> is paid and, frankly I don't care. I do know that Fire Service roles > are > >> paid pretty poorly when compared to roles in other industries (IT for > >> example). Anyone that drops sour comments about someone earning $360k > >> needing to be dedicated and hard working is missing the point > entirely... > >> > >> Which nicely circles back to my pet hate of small minded emergency > >> service > >> personnel who have an old fashioned and outdated view of the world > >> > >> But it's New Year's eve and I'm going to go and have a beer and leave > >> that > >> argument for another day > >> > >> b > >> > >> > >> Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > >> E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > >> skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes > >> web www.diversity.net.nz > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 6:06 PM, Tristan Saunders > >> wrote: > >> > >> > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > >> > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > >> > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > >> > > >> > Here Here, > >> > Bit like a knighthood for being successful in your paid employment.. > >> > > >> > > >> > > From: 4kings@nettel.net.nz > >> > > To: vollynet@vollynet.org.nz > >> > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM > >> > > Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:56:48 +1300 > >> > > > >> > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > >> > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > >> > > Interesting though Simon that I am sure there are dozens of > volunteer > >> > firefighters around the country that work very hard, are sincere and > >> very > >> > dedicated, none of whom got any mention? I see the system as slightly > >> > corrupt in that the majority of people who receive these honours, > >> > especially the higher level ones, generally are well paid for their > >> work > >> > and hence are expected to be hard working, sincere and dedicated. I > am > >> sure > >> > on $360K a year that is part of the reason Mike was all of those > >> things, > >> > and I guess to a lesser degree/amount that is the same for Ross > Ditmer? > >> > > ----- Original Message ----- > >> > > From: stantonfield > >> > > To: VollyNet > >> > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 9:23 AM > >> > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > >> > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > >> > > Couldn`t agree more , > >> > > Congratulations to Ross. > >> > > His hard work, sincerity and dedication made him richly deserving > >> of > >> > this > >> > > award. > >> > > > >> > > Simon > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > ----- Original Message ----- > >> > > From: "Ben Kepes" > >> > > To: "VollyNet" > >> > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:38 AM > >> > > Subject: [VollyNet] QSM > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > >> > > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > >> > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > >> > > > For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was awarded > >> the > >> > QSM in > >> > > > today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ > Fire > >> > Service > >> > > > > >> > > > Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this one. > >> > > > > >> > > > ;-) > >> > > > > >> > > > Congrats Ross, well deserved > >> > > > > >> > > > b > >> > > > > >> > > > > >> > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > >> > > > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > >> > > > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes < > >> http://twitter.com/benkepes> > >> > > > web www.diversity.net.nz > >> > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > >> > > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > >> > > > > >> > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > >> > > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > ---- > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > Internal Virus Database is out of date. > >> > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > >> > > Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3125 - Release Date: > >> > 09/09/10 > >> > > 18:34:00 > >> > > > >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > >> > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > >> > > > >> > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > >> > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > >> > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > >> > > > >> > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > >> > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > >> > > >> > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > >> > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > >> > > >> > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > >> > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > >> > > >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- > >> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > >> > >> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > >> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- > >> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > >> > >> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > >> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > >> > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4712 - Release Date: 12/30/11 > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4715 - Release Date: 12/31/11 > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise > From stantonfield at clear.net.nz Sun Jan 1 13:15:20 2012 From: stantonfield at clear.net.nz (stantonfield) Date: Sun Jan 1 13:15:27 2012 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM In-Reply-To: References: <11998A2303BF478BA040FA19C0D4D3CE@stantonfieldPC> <4eff9dcf.6748440a.59c0.301aSMTPIN_ADDED@mx.google.com> Message-ID: Ben, whilst riding your MTB and ruminating..( Fermenting is more appropriate to your setting!) .. You too could have been feeling honoured and appreaciated wearing your IYVF miniature and 10yr bar whilst having a warm drink out of your personalised NZFS coffee mug and using your NZFS pocket knife to peel your kiwifruit, then remembering from the feel of your NZFS key ring in your pocket, that it would have been easier to take the car.(did i miss anything?) Who said we don`t get honoured and appreaciated. Simon ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ben Kepes" To: "VollyNet" Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2012 12:45 PM Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > lol > > oh and while out for an early morning MTB ride this morning, I > was ruminating over something... > > to all those people who have been simultaneously decrying the concept of > fixed terms for CFO/DCFO positions while also complaining that NY honours > for only a couple of NZFS people leave the rest of us under appreciated > for > doing our job, think on this: A five year fixed term is an awesome proxy > for recognition, do a great job and you'll be re-appointed; don't and you > won't. Simple really.... > > b > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes > web www.diversity.net.nz > > > > > On Sat, Dec 31, 2011 at 3:41 PM, Shaun Sayer > wrote: > >> VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> It's alright if it is patronizing Ben as after all he is Vollynet >> patron.... >> LoL >> >> Happy New Year everyone! >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: vollynet-bounces@vollynet.org.nz >> [mailto:vollynet-bounces@vollynet.org.nz] On Behalf Of Ben Kepes >> Sent: Saturday, 31 December 2011 5:53 p.m. >> To: VollyNet >> Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >> >> VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> Ian >> >> Just a note, hopefully my posts(s) didn't come across as patronising - >> they >> weren't meant to be. It's just that we all work in different areas and >> hence have different perspectives to share >> >> Cheers >> >> b >> >> >> Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited >> E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 >> skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes >> web www.diversity.net.nz >> >> >> >> >> On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 8:46 PM, Ben Kepes wrote: >> >> > Ian >> > >> > All good - I wasn't upset, and wasn't trying to suggest that you were >> > anything other than dedicated and hard-working. I would say though as >> > someone who spends their working like in an area where $360k per annum >> > isn't such an outlandish figure, that Mike should do his job no >> differently >> > at $360k than if he was doing it for free. It's something that's hard >> > to >> > understand until you're there but the salary is really a red herring. >> > >> > Which brings us back to the "figurehead getting an honour on behalf of >> his >> > crew". This is where Mike (as CEO/NC) and Ross (as IPP UFBA) come in - >> > they're the individual recipients of a communal award is all... >> > >> > Kind of the same way that you, as CFO, get to go to all the funky >> > events >> > and functions, but do so as the representative of the troops underneath >> you. >> > >> > Happy days >> > >> > b >> > >> > >> > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited >> > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 >> > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes >> > web www.diversity.net.nz >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 8:31 PM, Ian & Heather King >> <4kings@nettel.net.nz>wrote: >> > >> >> VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> >> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> Ben >> >> I guess as most of your comments are directed at my earlier posting, >> I'll >> >> clarify a little. Nowhere did I mention the "sour grapes" about Mike >> Hall >> >> earning $360K pa. I don't care what he earns but merely pointed out >> >> with >> >> that sort of income it can be easy to be hard working, sincere and >> >> dedicated. As a volly CFO with 40 years of long and committed service >> this >> >> coming year, I am hard working, sincere and dedicated too. I am sure >> many >> >> people in the FS community who know me, both on and off this site, >> >> will >> >> testify to that. As to being "small minded with an old fashioned and >> >> outdated view of the world", again I think this comment is totally >> >> irrelevant. Speak to my peers and workmates both paid and volunteer >> >> and >> you >> >> will find they say I am probably one of the most forward thinking >> >> firefighters in the NZFS? >> >> So thats where my realistic comments about life, the Fire Service, and >> >> who gets a gong and for why come from? Sorry if I upset you and your >> >> relationship with Ross. >> >> Happy New Year to all in Nth Canterbury brigades. >> >> Ian >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> >> From: Ben Kepes >> >> To: VollyNet >> >> Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 5:12 PM >> >> Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >> >> >> >> >> >> VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> >> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> OK here goes.... >> >> >> >> Actually, first a disclosure. I'm an SO in North Canterbury so I >> >> serve >> >> under Ross. However anyone who knows me or reads what I write will >> >> see >> >> I'm >> >> not shy of calling a spade a manually operated instrument for digging >> and >> >> will take what I say at face value. That and the fact that I have a >> full >> >> and busy career outside of the NZFS and despite being committed to my >> >> Fire >> >> Service role, it doesn't give me sufficient jollies to make >> complimentary >> >> statements about superiors just in order to curry favour. Put simply, >> >> while >> >> lots of vollies (present company excepted) get their rocks off from >> >> the >> >> power trip, and would do anything to move up the pole, I ain't one of >> >> them, >> >> my rocks are dedicated to important things, like the latest web >> browser, >> >> or >> >> solid state hard drives for instance... >> >> >> >> So.. that said... >> >> >> >> - Ross was, in my view, awarded the medal in recognition for his >> >> role as >> >> Past president of el grande UFBA >> >> - Notwithstanding that, Ross has a long and committed history of >> >> service >> >> as both a volunteer and more recently a paid officer and, in my >> >> humble >> >> view, this makes his award all the more appropriate than some >> "stuffed >> >> shirt" who has merely done his time >> >> - In no way does Ross' award diminish the fact that we all put in >> >> exemplary service for our communities, rather this year his >> >> award, >> >> and >> >> those others given to NZFS staffers is a proxy recognition of us >> >> all >> >> - In my day job (well one of my many) I am the "figurehead" for a >> >> large >> >> and reasonably high profile community (at least within one >> particular >> >> sector). As such I get a lot of recognition for what I do. I also >> >> realise >> >> every day that I am only able to do what I do because of the team >> >> of >> >> people >> >> behind me doing sometimes menial tasks to enable the community to >> >> flourish. >> >> I thank them on a regular basis, and am keen to ensure that my >> >> glory >> >> (inasmuch as there is any) is their glory also - I would fully >> expect >> >> that >> >> Ross will consider his award to be something jointly "owned" by >> >> all >> >> of us >> >> >> >> In terms of him being recognized for doing his job. I don't know what >> >> Ross >> >> is paid and, frankly I don't care. I do know that Fire Service roles >> are >> >> paid pretty poorly when compared to roles in other industries (IT for >> >> example). Anyone that drops sour comments about someone earning $360k >> >> needing to be dedicated and hard working is missing the point >> entirely... >> >> >> >> Which nicely circles back to my pet hate of small minded emergency >> >> service >> >> personnel who have an old fashioned and outdated view of the world >> >> >> >> But it's New Year's eve and I'm going to go and have a beer and leave >> >> that >> >> argument for another day >> >> >> >> b >> >> >> >> >> >> Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited >> >> E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 >> >> skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes >> >> web www.diversity.net.nz >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 6:06 PM, Tristan Saunders >> >> wrote: >> >> >> >> > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> >> > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> >> > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> > >> >> > Here Here, >> >> > Bit like a knighthood for being successful in your paid >> >> employment.. >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > > From: 4kings@nettel.net.nz >> >> > > To: vollynet@vollynet.org.nz >> >> > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >> >> > > Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:56:48 +1300 >> >> > > >> >> > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> >> > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> > > Interesting though Simon that I am sure there are dozens of >> volunteer >> >> > firefighters around the country that work very hard, are sincere >> >> and >> >> very >> >> > dedicated, none of whom got any mention? I see the system as >> >> slightly >> >> > corrupt in that the majority of people who receive these honours, >> >> > especially the higher level ones, generally are well paid for their >> >> work >> >> > and hence are expected to be hard working, sincere and dedicated. I >> am >> >> sure >> >> > on $360K a year that is part of the reason Mike was all of those >> >> things, >> >> > and I guess to a lesser degree/amount that is the same for Ross >> Ditmer? >> >> > > ----- Original Message ----- >> >> > > From: stantonfield >> >> > > To: VollyNet >> >> > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 9:23 AM >> >> > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >> >> > > >> >> > > >> >> > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> >> > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> >> > >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> > > Couldn`t agree more , >> >> > > Congratulations to Ross. >> >> > > His hard work, sincerity and dedication made him richly >> >> deserving >> >> of >> >> > this >> >> > > award. >> >> > > >> >> > > Simon >> >> > > >> >> > > >> >> > > ----- Original Message ----- >> >> > > From: "Ben Kepes" >> >> > > To: "VollyNet" >> >> > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:38 AM >> >> > > Subject: [VollyNet] QSM >> >> > > >> >> > > >> >> > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> >> > > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> >> > > > >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> > > > For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was >> >> awarded >> >> the >> >> > QSM in >> >> > > > today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ >> Fire >> >> > Service >> >> > > > >> >> > > > Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this >> >> one. >> >> > > > >> >> > > > ;-) >> >> > > > >> >> > > > Congrats Ross, well deserved >> >> > > > >> >> > > > b >> >> > > > >> >> > > > >> >> > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited >> >> > > > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 >> >> > > > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes < >> >> http://twitter.com/benkepes> >> >> > > > web www.diversity.net.nz >> >> > > > >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> > > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> >> > > > >> >> > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> >> > > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> >> > > >> >> > > >> >> > > >> >> > >> >> >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- >> ---- >> >> > > >> >> > > >> >> > > >> >> > > Internal Virus Database is out of date. >> >> > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >> >> > > Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3125 - Release Date: >> >> > 09/09/10 >> >> > > 18:34:00 >> >> > > >> >> > >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> >> > > >> >> > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> >> > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> >> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> >> > > >> >> > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> >> > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> >> > >> >> > ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> >> > >> >> > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> >> > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> >> > >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> >> >> >> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> >> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> >> >> >> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> >> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> >> >> > >> > >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> >> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> ----- >> No virus found in this message. >> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >> Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4712 - Release Date: 12/30/11 >> ----- >> No virus found in this message. >> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >> Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4715 - Release Date: 12/31/11 >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------- >> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> >> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Internal Virus Database is out of date. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3125 - Release Date: 09/09/10 18:34:00 From ben at diversity.net.nz Sun Jan 1 13:20:06 2012 From: ben at diversity.net.nz (Ben Kepes) Date: Sun Jan 1 13:20:26 2012 Subject: [VollyNet] QSM In-Reply-To: References: <11998A2303BF478BA040FA19C0D4D3CE@stantonfieldPC> <4eff9dcf.6748440a.59c0.301aSMTPIN_ADDED@mx.google.com> Message-ID: good point and honoured by the jollies we all feel when we drive past kids waiting by their gates all looking at us in awe - that's worth a QSM or two any day... b Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes web www.diversity.net.nz On Sat, Dec 31, 2011 at 4:15 PM, stantonfield wrote: > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz > ------------------------------**------------------------------**---- > Ben, whilst riding your MTB and ruminating..( Fermenting is more > appropriate to your setting!) .. > You too could have been feeling honoured and appreaciated wearing your > IYVF miniature and 10yr bar whilst having a warm drink out of your > personalised NZFS coffee mug and using your NZFS pocket knife to peel your > kiwifruit, then remembering from the feel of your NZFS key ring in your > pocket, that it would have been easier to take the car.(did i miss > anything?) > Who said we don`t get honoured and appreaciated. > > Simon > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ben Kepes" > To: "VollyNet" > Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2012 12:45 PM > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >> ------------------------------**------------------------------**---- >> lol >> >> oh and while out for an early morning MTB ride this morning, I >> was ruminating over something... >> >> to all those people who have been simultaneously decrying the concept of >> fixed terms for CFO/DCFO positions while also complaining that NY honours >> for only a couple of NZFS people leave the rest of us under appreciated >> for >> doing our job, think on this: A five year fixed term is an awesome proxy >> for recognition, do a great job and you'll be re-appointed; don't and you >> won't. Simple really.... >> >> b >> >> >> Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited >> E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 >> skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes >> web www.diversity.net.nz >> >> >> >> >> On Sat, Dec 31, 2011 at 3:41 PM, Shaun Sayer >> wrote: >> >> VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >>> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >>> ------------------------------**------------------------------**---- >>> It's alright if it is patronizing Ben as after all he is Vollynet >>> patron.... >>> LoL >>> >>> Happy New Year everyone! >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: vollynet-bounces@vollynet.org.**nz >>> [mailto:vollynet-bounces@**vollynet.org.nz] >>> On Behalf Of Ben Kepes >>> Sent: Saturday, 31 December 2011 5:53 p.m. >>> To: VollyNet >>> Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >>> >>> VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >>> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >>> ------------------------------**------------------------------**---- >>> Ian >>> >>> Just a note, hopefully my posts(s) didn't come across as patronising - >>> they >>> weren't meant to be. It's just that we all work in different areas and >>> hence have different perspectives to share >>> >>> Cheers >>> >>> b >>> >>> >>> Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited >>> E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 >>> skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes >>> web www.diversity.net.nz >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 8:46 PM, Ben Kepes wrote: >>> >>> > Ian >>> > >>> > All good - I wasn't upset, and wasn't trying to suggest that you were >>> > anything other than dedicated and hard-working. I would say though as >>> > someone who spends their working like in an area where $360k per annum >>> > isn't such an outlandish figure, that Mike should do his job no >>> differently >>> > at $360k than if he was doing it for free. It's something that's hard >>> > to >>> > understand until you're there but the salary is really a red herring. >>> > >>> > Which brings us back to the "figurehead getting an honour on behalf of >>> his >>> > crew". This is where Mike (as CEO/NC) and Ross (as IPP UFBA) come in - >>> > they're the individual recipients of a communal award is all... >>> > >>> > Kind of the same way that you, as CFO, get to go to all the funky > >>> events >>> > and functions, but do so as the representative of the troops underneath >>> you. >>> > >>> > Happy days >>> > >>> > b >>> > >>> > >>> > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited >>> > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 >>> > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes >>> > web www.diversity.net.nz >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 8:31 PM, Ian & Heather King >>> <4kings@nettel.net.nz>wrote: >>> > >>> >> VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >>> >> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >>> >> ------------------------------**------------------------------**---- >>> >> Ben >>> >> I guess as most of your comments are directed at my earlier posting, >>> I'll >>> >> clarify a little. Nowhere did I mention the "sour grapes" about Mike >>> Hall >>> >> earning $360K pa. I don't care what he earns but merely pointed out >>> >> with >>> >> that sort of income it can be easy to be hard working, sincere and >>> >> dedicated. As a volly CFO with 40 years of long and committed service >>> this >>> >> coming year, I am hard working, sincere and dedicated too. I am sure >>> many >>> >> people in the FS community who know me, both on and off this site, >> >>> will >>> >> testify to that. As to being "small minded with an old fashioned and >>> >> outdated view of the world", again I think this comment is totally >>> >> irrelevant. Speak to my peers and workmates both paid and volunteer >>> >> and >>> you >>> >> will find they say I am probably one of the most forward thinking >>> >> firefighters in the NZFS? >>> >> So thats where my realistic comments about life, the Fire Service, and >>> >> who gets a gong and for why come from? Sorry if I upset you and your >>> >> relationship with Ross. >>> >> Happy New Year to all in Nth Canterbury brigades. >>> >> Ian >>> >> ----- Original Message ----- >>> >> From: Ben Kepes >>> >> To: VollyNet >>> >> Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 5:12 PM >>> >> Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >>> >> For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >>> >> ------------------------------**------------------------------**---- >>> >> OK here goes.... >>> >> >>> >> Actually, first a disclosure. I'm an SO in North Canterbury so I >> >>> serve >>> >> under Ross. However anyone who knows me or reads what I write will >>> >> see >>> >> I'm >>> >> not shy of calling a spade a manually operated instrument for digging >>> and >>> >> will take what I say at face value. That and the fact that I have a >>> full >>> >> and busy career outside of the NZFS and despite being committed to my >>> >> Fire >>> >> Service role, it doesn't give me sufficient jollies to make >>> complimentary >>> >> statements about superiors just in order to curry favour. Put simply, >>> >> while >>> >> lots of vollies (present company excepted) get their rocks off from >>> >> the >>> >> power trip, and would do anything to move up the pole, I ain't one of >>> >> them, >>> >> my rocks are dedicated to important things, like the latest web >>> browser, >>> >> or >>> >> solid state hard drives for instance... >>> >> >>> >> So.. that said... >>> >> >>> >> - Ross was, in my view, awarded the medal in recognition for his >>> >> role as >>> >> Past president of el grande UFBA >>> >> - Notwithstanding that, Ross has a long and committed history of >>> >> service >>> >> as both a volunteer and more recently a paid officer and, in my >>> >> humble >>> >> view, this makes his award all the more appropriate than some >>> "stuffed >>> >> shirt" who has merely done his time >>> >> - In no way does Ross' award diminish the fact that we all put in >>> >> exemplary service for our communities, rather this year his >> >>> award, >>> >> and >>> >> those others given to NZFS staffers is a proxy recognition of us >>> >> all >>> >> - In my day job (well one of my many) I am the "figurehead" for a >>> >> large >>> >> and reasonably high profile community (at least within one >>> particular >>> >> sector). As such I get a lot of recognition for what I do. I also >>> >> realise >>> >> every day that I am only able to do what I do because of the team >>> >> of >>> >> people >>> >> behind me doing sometimes menial tasks to enable the community to >>> >> flourish. >>> >> I thank them on a regular basis, and am keen to ensure that my >> >>> glory >>> >> (inasmuch as there is any) is their glory also - I would fully >>> expect >>> >> that >>> >> Ross will consider his award to be something jointly "owned" by >>> >> all >>> >> of us >>> >> >>> >> In terms of him being recognized for doing his job. I don't know what >>> >> Ross >>> >> is paid and, frankly I don't care. I do know that Fire Service roles >>> are >>> >> paid pretty poorly when compared to roles in other industries (IT for >>> >> example). Anyone that drops sour comments about someone earning $360k >>> >> needing to be dedicated and hard working is missing the point >>> entirely... >>> >> >>> >> Which nicely circles back to my pet hate of small minded emergency >>> >> service >>> >> personnel who have an old fashioned and outdated view of the world >>> >> >>> >> But it's New Year's eve and I'm going to go and have a beer and leave >>> >> that >>> >> argument for another day >>> >> >>> >> b >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited >>> >> E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 2384136 >>> >> skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes >>> >> web www.diversity.net.nz >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 6:06 PM, Tristan Saunders >> > >>> >> wrote: >>> >> >>> >> > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >>> >> > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >>> >> > ------------------------------**------------------------------** >>> ---- >>> >> > >>> >> > Here Here, >>> >> > Bit like a knighthood for being successful in your paid >> >>> employment.. >>> >> > >>> >> > >>> >> > > From: 4kings@nettel.net.nz >>> >> > > To: vollynet@vollynet.org.nz >>> >> > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >>> >> > > Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:56:48 +1300 >>> >> > > >>> >> > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >>> >> > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >>> >> > > ------------------------------**------------------------------** >>> ---- >>> >> > > Interesting though Simon that I am sure there are dozens of >>> volunteer >>> >> > firefighters around the country that work very hard, are sincere >>> >> and >>> >> very >>> >> > dedicated, none of whom got any mention? I see the system as >> >>> slightly >>> >> > corrupt in that the majority of people who receive these honours, >>> >> > especially the higher level ones, generally are well paid for their >>> >> work >>> >> > and hence are expected to be hard working, sincere and dedicated. I >>> am >>> >> sure >>> >> > on $360K a year that is part of the reason Mike was all of those >>> >> things, >>> >> > and I guess to a lesser degree/amount that is the same for Ross >>> Ditmer? >>> >> > > ----- Original Message ----- >>> >> > > From: stantonfield >>> >> > > To: VollyNet >>> >> > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 9:23 AM >>> >> > > Subject: Re: [VollyNet] QSM >>> >> > > >>> >> > > >>> >> > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >>> >> > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >>> >> > >> ------------------------------** >>> ------------------------------**---- >>> >> > > Couldn`t agree more , >>> >> > > Congratulations to Ross. >>> >> > > His hard work, sincerity and dedication made him richly >> >>> deserving >>> >> of >>> >> > this >>> >> > > award. >>> >> > > >>> >> > > Simon >>> >> > > >>> >> > > >>> >> > > ----- Original Message ----- >>> >> > > From: "Ben Kepes" >>> >> > > To: "VollyNet" >>> >> > > Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 8:38 AM >>> >> > > Subject: [VollyNet] QSM >>> >> > > >>> >> > > >>> >> > > > VOLLYNET : OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IN NZ >>> >> > > > For information and help see www.vollynet.org.nz >>> >> > > > >>> ------------------------------**------------------------------**---- >>> >> > > > For those who haven't already seen it, Ross Ditmer was >> >>> awarded >>> >> the >>> >> > QSM in >>> >> > > > today's announced New Year's honours for services to the NZ >>> Fire >>> >> > Service >>> >> > > > >>> >> > > > Let's see the NZPFU get their knickers in a knot over this >>> >> one. >>> >> > > > >>> >> > > > ;-) >>> >> > > > >>> >> > > > Congrats Ross, well deserved >>> >> > > > >>> >> > > > b >>> >> > > > >>> >> > > > >>> >> > > > Ben Kepes - Diversity Limited >>> >> > > > E ben@diversity.net.nz | P +64 3 3146006 | M 021 >>> 2384136 >>> >> > > > skype ben_kepes | twitter @benkepes < >>> >> http://twitter.com/benkepes> >>> >> > > > web www.diversity.net.nz >>> >> > > > >>> ------------------------------**------------------------------**---- >>> >> > > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >>> >> > > > >>> >> > > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >>> >> > > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >>> >> > > >>> >> > > >>> >> > > >>> >> > >>> >> >>> >>> ------------------------------**------------------------------** >>> ---------------- >>> ---- >>> >> > > >>> >> > > >>> >> > > >>> >> > > Internal Virus Database is out of date. >>> >> > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >>> >> > > Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3125 - Release Date: >>> >> > 09/09/10 >>> >> > > 18:34:00 >>> >> > > >>> >> > >> ------------------------------** >>> ------------------------------**---- >>> >> > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >>> >> > > >>> >> > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >>> >> > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >>> >> > > ------------------------------**------------------------------** >>> ---- >>> >> > > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >>> >> > > >>> >> > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >>> >> > > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >>> >> > >>> >> > ------------------------------**------------------------------** >>> ---- >>> >> > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >>> >> > >>> >> > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >>> >> > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >>> >> > >>> >> ------------------------------**------------------------------**---- >>> >> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >>> >> >>> >> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >>> >> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >>> >> ------------------------------**------------------------------**---- >>> >> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >>> >> >>> >> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >>> >> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >>> >> >>> > >>> > >>> ------------------------------**------------------------------**---- >>> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >>> >>> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >>> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >>> ----- >>> No virus found in this message. >>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >>> Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4712 - Release Date: 12/30/11 >>> ----- >>> No virus found in this message. >>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >>> Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4715 - Release Date: 12/31/11 >>> >>> ------------------------------**------------------------------**---- >>> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >>> >>> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >>> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >>> >>> ------------------------------**------------------------------**---- >> MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles >> >> ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of >> personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >> > > > ------------------------------**------------------------------** > -------------------- > > > > Internal Virus Database is out of date. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3125 - Release Date: 09/09/10 > 18:34:00 > > ------------------------------**------------------------------**---- > MEET THE COMMUNITY! Visit www.vollynet.org.nz/profiles > > ALL posts to VollyNet should be considered statements of > personal opinion only unless specifically stated otherwise >