I heard a friend once say that we are witnessing the demise of the American Empire, just as Empires have come and gone before. There’s been some amazing analysis of the USA election results and like most I’m watching things evolve with great interest. Are we witnessing neo-liberalists last … [Read more...]
Always build your footpaths where the people walk
I enjoy the writings of Chris Trotter. During the month he wrote: The late Jim Anderton understood, as did his hero, Norman Kirk, that, at heart, New Zealand was a conservative country. That said, when confronted by profound economic and/or moral challenges New Zealand voters have demonstrated … [Read more...]
Councillors are being led down a one-way path by CCC staff who want to sell assets
Recently in a behind closed doors meeting our elected Councillors were told that the estimated rates increase in the Long-Term Plan for next year will be 18%. They must resist this and push hard for a decent analysis of costs. In an article in the … [Read more...]
Phil Mauger back’s down on an election promise in a recent article on CCHL sales
Yet again the reason why the public distrust politicians was highlighted in a recent article in Newsroom when Phil Mauger backed down on his absolute promise to not sell CCHL assets during the last election campaign. Here’s what Phil said during the election campaign in this article in the … [Read more...]
Councillor Gough’s Commitment to openness and transparency
In the Press recently Cr Gough is reported as saying at the CCC meeting: It was interesting to note his commitment to democracy and “having a conversation with the public”. I recall an email he wrote on behalf of himself, Sam Macdonald, and Phil Mauger to the CE Dawn Baxendale during the last … [Read more...]
Garry: I am worried about Christchurch City Council
This week’s notes come with a warning to the mayor and our councillors. I’m worried about Christchurch City Council. The public are unhappy. The staff are unhappy. Your budget is blowing out. It’s time to have a hard think. About everything. Rosa Luxemburg once said: “Those who do not move, do … [Read more...]
Garry’s Thoughts 16 May 2023 – Residents Survey
Last week’s notes on CCC’s Staff survey were one of the most read articles we have ever produced. People are worried about CCC and how it is being led, both at elected Council and CE levels. In case you missed it here is a link https://tuesdayclub.nz/garry-writes-9-may-2023/. It’s significant … [Read more...]
Consultants
Remember a few weeks ago I said this photo summarised my opinion on most (not all) “consultants” who are used way too often by both Central and Local government. There have been some interesting articles this week on consultants. One in the Listener with a front cover lead in on Are corporate … [Read more...]
Citizens – Why the key to fixing everything is all of us
by Jon Alexander and Ariane Conrad with foreword by Brian Eno Published by Canbury Press (2022) Reviewed by Vivian Hutchinson This book is not just about the importance and urgency of active citizenship amidst today's challenges. The book itself acts as a window through which to look at our … [Read more...]
Garry writes 2 May 2023
I’m a big fan of Dame Anne Salmond. When she opens her mouth or writes an article, she talks to me... Rob Campbell had written an article in Newsroom headed I’m pro-public sector, but health money wasted on empty offices shows problem": Dame Anne wrote a reply which said: The … [Read more...]
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