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...]
Everything is local – Lianne Dalziel
Lianne Dalziel is writing superbly on a range of topics in Newsroom ... In an article in Newsroom last week there’s lots of lessons for both bureaucracies and elected reps. It emphasises the “local”. I spoke to a former elected rep from Auckland, and they talked about their Council’s knowledge … [Read more...]
I’m not sure that amalgamation of local authorities is necessarily a good thing
The North Island floods have caused me to sit and wonder whether or not large amalgamations are a good idea. I’m not sure the bringing together of all the Councils of Auckland served that community well or not, especially over a major event like they have experienced. At one stage of my life I … [Read more...]
Garry writes 21 February 2023
Kim Hill said it accurately when she started her programme on Saturday morning saying that she felt helpless when she viewed the disaster which had hit this country. She had a house which was dry. Her roof didn’t leak, and she just sat and thought what could she do? Who couldn’t relate to that in … [Read more...]
The Rise and Rise of Disinformation
Dr Paul Spoonley is leading a discussion on The Rise and Rise of Disinformation: Challenges of the Internet Age 5:15pm (for coffee, with a 5:30 start) Wednesday 08 FebruaryWananga Room, Aldersgate Centre, 309 Durham Street There is no charge and parking and bike racks are available at the … [Read more...]
Phil Mauger’s “I am standing for mayor because I want to get stuff done” column:
Rate increases: Remember how Phil was promoting 4% rates increases during the election campaign? Last week we analysed how much costs CCC is facing that have gone up over which they have little control, and that it would be nigh on impossible to get to that figure. So, let us consider how … [Read more...]
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