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...]
Working together to make democracy alive and responsive
This week I received an email from a group promoting different forms of democracy. This group has an AGM and talk Wednesday 30 March at 7.30 and it will be all over by 9pm. The speaker will be Max Rashbrooke and his address is labelled ‘Overcoming the obstacles to deeper democracy in New … [Read more...]
An interesting defamation case of great public importance
Over the past few years there has been a defamation case working its way through the Courts based on the nasty behaviour of Whale Oil blogger Cameron Slater (son of former National Party Chairman), PR agent Cameron Slater (son of Sir Doug Graham, former National MP) and Katherine Rich (CEO of the … [Read more...]
Local Government beware:
Local Government is a vehicle of legislation. It can be altered by Central Government at their will. Think about Ecan. Central Government is advised on Local Government issues by the Department of Internal Affairs. I doubt if things have changed greatly since I was in Local Government. My … [Read more...]
Pressure keeps Institutions honest
It was interesting to note the comments from the Islamic Womens Council about how the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet tried to control the consultative process with the Muslim community, which had been recommended by the Royal Commission. Here’s what their spokesperson, Anjum Rahman … [Read more...]