Jean gave us a comprehensive summary of where the government appears to be heading with local government reform. At the end of the talk, it became obvious that we must go into great depth on this topic this year. We had a good discussion on “anticipatory governance” which could also be something … [Read more...]
A small number of anti-Covid vaccination demonstrators continue to divide our society
There seems to be a nobody’s-going-to-win situation in Wellington. It’s an interesting situation. I participated in a lively debate at Smash Palace on Thursday night amongst a group of vaccinated patrons. There were some who felt the right to protest was paramount. There were others who are appalled … [Read more...]
Garry Writes end June 2021
We’re having at break at the Tuesday Club. This week will be our last gathering, and notes, until the 3rd of August. Smash Palace is closing for the month of July. It’s generally the coldest month of the year and its not the best running an outdoor bar in the rain, and cold. So, the team are … [Read more...]
Open Government proposed changes the OIA and openness of Central and Local Government
In Newsroom recently it was reported that the Government has been working on an “open government plan”. In the article it stated The Government has been urged to delay its latest open government plan by a year, with civil society organisations concerned about insufficient community … [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...]
Garry writes 1 June 2021
I saw the photo above thanks to Bernard Hickey during the week. We have piwakawaka through our garden twice a year in Autumn and Spring. They are a beautiful bird and an easy target for cats. That’s why I wish we could get rid of all cats. Last week I wrote about my despair about being involved … [Read more...]
Last Week – CCC on Climate Change and Representation Review
Last week we had a hummer of a session... Firstly, Tony Moore spoke about the CCC programme to address Global Warming. It was interesting to have Eric Pawson challenge the room to consider whether or not we as a City are being brave enough and embracing the Climate Commission’s goals. That led to … [Read more...]
Let’s focus on Jaime Lerner, Mayor of Curitiba, and some things we can learn from him
Last week I said that I would write something about Jaime Lerner. Well Carl Davidson (who wanted to demonstrate that he reads the Tuesday Club notes) sent me the article below which was written about Jaime a few years ago. Here’s one of his quotes: If you want creativity, cut one zero from the … [Read more...]
Local representation review
Every few years Local Government is required to undertake a review of the number of people around the Council table. This is required by law. One Councillor, has advocated halving the number of Councillors. This demonstrated a complete lack of understanding about how Councillor fees are set. The … [Read more...]
Traffic debates in the Northern suburbs
In our part of the world, we are living with changes to the roading system. I received an email from my local MP asking for me to get involved in making a submission to the City Council. It was good to see an MP and the local Councillor seeking feedback from the community. So, I read the CCC … [Read more...]