About this time every year various undisciplined elected reps strut through the media promoting all sorts of preposterous suggestions on budgets. Proposing that there be zero rates is amongst the least responsible. Let’s see if that rears its head this time. Often a group will promote lower rates so … [Read more...]
It’s near the end of the CDHB’s financial year
In March Sir John Hansen appeared before Parliament’s Health Select Committee and he was reported by Stuff as saying: The resignations of seven senior Canterbury health board managers within six weeks may have helped the woeful financial position of the region's health system, the board’s chair … [Read more...]
Cycleways June 2021
It isn’t very often that you can see the incredible difference between painted lines on the road and a grade separated cycleway. The video below was produced in Melbourne before and after the cycleway was constructed. It’s a great thing to watch. For the five non-cycling Councillors who are to … [Read more...]
Is battery technology our only solution?
I ride an electric bike. So, I’m part of the problem of exacerbating the demand for batteries. I wrote recently about the human and environmental challenges of seeing battery technology as being the single solution. When vehicles were in their infancy at the start of last century oil was seen as … [Read more...]
We’re importing coal as we lay off miners on the West Coast
I sat with two friends last week discussing issues about our economy and South Island politics in general. One said “why doesn’t the Government ban coal usage by a certain date, and, until that date continues to mine in New Zealand”. I hadn’t realised that we were importing coal. But here are some … [Read more...]
Well done CCC Engagement team
Whether you agree with the decision, or not, the feedback from the CCC engagement team on the Representation Review came into my in box this week and was informative and helpful. Here’s what it said: Thank you again for making a submission in the Representation Review Initial Proposal and to … [Read more...]
We have to take a real interest in the Official Information Act and how it is distorted by our bureaucracies
Last week I wrote that I actually have the complete EAG document which was supplied to the elected Council. I also have the redacted copy obtained under the OIA. Much of what has been redacted were fundamental elements of our report. Many parts of our report, which would have achieved either … [Read more...]
Will we experience the end of Malls?
In Newsroom this week was this article: Mall owner Washington Prime Group has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, saying the "COVID-19 pandemic proved insurmountable." Our thought bubble, via Axios' Aja Whitaker-Moore: Malls have been on the decline for years due to consumer demand … [Read more...]
In Conclusion 22 June 2021
Is this photo between the leader of America’s Cup in New Zealand and the Prime Minister displaying the sort of behaviour which has caused so many of us to turn off the America’s Cup? When we have a crisis in housing, spending $100m on a group which is ungrateful for what they have been offered … [Read more...]
Garry Writes 15 June 2021
In a recent article in Stuff Andrea Vance lamented the closed shop which this Government has been with information. Here’s what she wrote early in the article: This year, I have made more complaints to the Ombudsman than in any previous year. So far, every one has been upheld. In my 20-year … [Read more...]
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