In an excellent article in the Press recently the Chair of Ecan, Peter Scott, spoke forcefully about how we are being forgotten down here by both National and Labour. I can’t link to it as the Press don’t share open access to their articles so somebody with access has copied it and here it is in … [Read more...]
Policies which National and Labour are avoiding
Climate LABOUR: Not one of any of the Labour advertising I have seen on line or in print even mentions Climate Change or the Environment. NATIONAL: no plan, just trust innovation and the market to provide the answers. BOTH LABOUR AND NATIONAL: It took a press debate to have a journalist … [Read more...]
Our Tweedledumb and Tweedledumber political parties
I recently had an enjoyable lunch with two old mates, both who had been MPs in the Labour Party. I spoiled the occasion a tad by saying for the first time in my life I’m not voting Labour. That led to a spirited discussion which interrupted the polite conversation of two Merivale women sitting close … [Read more...]
We’re collecting quotes during the election campaign.
Here’s a couple - add your own in comments Chris Trotter: There was a time in this country’s history when citizens asking questions of public servants was an entirely unremarkable exercise of their civil rights. A time when, far from causing fear and alarm, the practice of holding bureaucrats … [Read more...]
National Party steps Backward on Farming
I know I’m not voting for Labour next election, and that I’ve never voted National. But now I have an even better reason for continuing my “never-vote-for-National” stance. I was appalled to read their latest farming policy. My comments are in brackets: ‘Getting back to farming’ - This … [Read more...]
Independent Electoral Review – have your say by 14 November
Rosemary has just made a submission to this review, mainly making the following points: Garry's comments I had some interesting responses to the report from the local government review. Here is one: It will be interesting to see what general coverage the report gets, and what views … [Read more...]
Why I voted for David Meates – Garry Moore
I asked myself what qualities are needed to be a successful Mayor An ethical base and ability to take advice: The best mayors I have worked with have all had a strong moral compass. They apply this morality to all their decision making. Their moral compass is accompanied by an ethical … [Read more...]
What happened to the Tuesday Club??
Rosemary writes.... You may have wondered where Garry and Rosemary have been buried and why Tuesday Club is presently on hold. Well the not so closely guarded secret is out. We have been part of the team supporting David Meates campaign for mayor. Much is being made on … [Read more...]
When will the large political parties in NZ give me a sense of hope:
This week the political polls changed the discourse somewhat. Here’s what was shown on TV screens... Scroll to the bottom to see a rant by Rosemary about the Greens. Let’s consider how National went down an old black boring hole: How frustrating when Chris Luxon gave his supposed “state of 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...]