I was a Labour City Councillor and Mayor. One thing I learned in office was that my tribalism was often challenged by people who I thought would be against my beliefs. That was so often not the case. One person I enjoyed working with was Roger Bridge. We should not have got on. He was a serious … [Read more...]
Nigel Miller, former Chief Medical Officers at Canterbury District Health Board
Come along on Tuesday evening at Smash Palace from 5pm with the talk commencing at 5.30. It will be livestreamed on Facebook How your health service could be; compared with how it is now. Nigel is a Geriatrician and General Physician who came to Canterbury in 1992 from the North East of … [Read more...]
Farewell to a Great Ombudsman
For the past few years New Zealand has been superbly served by our Ombudsman, Judge Peter Boshier. I have had a little to do with the Ombudsman’s office and any time I have had anything to do with Peter Boshier he has always been ethical and attentive. As he headed out the door, he fired a few shots … [Read more...]
Garry 4 March – Tina, and the power of real people
On Saturday I attended a viewing of the film Tina. I cried my heart out many times. Basically, it's a story about a Pacific Island gifted teacher being employed by a flash school. An important message of the film is that people operating within the straitjacket of conformity have many lessons … [Read more...]
What many of our readers can learn from Jane Fonda
Recently Jane Fonda was given another award. At the presentation she said a few things which challenge all of us pensioners. Her challenge is for us to stand up and be the defenders and the glue promoting and enhancing localism. Here are some things she said: … [Read more...]
This week’s speaker Patrick De Dekker
See you in person or on line this week - 5 to gather and 5.30 to speak. At present there’s lots of focus and interest in the Antarctic and we jumped at the chance to hear from an Australian authority on Antarctica, Patrick De Dekker. He will speak to us on the 1897-99 Belgica expedition that … [Read more...]
Parliament maiden speeches
This week I attended Parliament to listen to the maiden (strange that this term still exists) speech of Kahurangi Carter, the newly elected Christchurch based Green MP. Listen to Kahurangi's speech here It was sad to note the large number of empty seats of returning MP’s who hadn’t bothered to … [Read more...]
Garry Attended three Tangi for three friends
1. Norm Dewes: The first tangi was for an old mate, Norm Dewes. I first met Norm when he was a trade union secretary. Leon Morel, from the TUC, and John Hercus, the CE of Christchurch Technical Institute (CTI), had started the Trade Union Training group to run classes for trade union members at … [Read more...]
Our sincere sympathy to Marney Ainsworth and Joe Tonner:
Every parent, auntie, uncle, grandparent hopes that they outlive their younger whanau. Unfortunately, Marney and Joe had the dreadful news that their son, Lewis, had been seriously injured in a helicopter crash in Canada. They headed to his bedside but unfortunately, he died of his injuries. Our … [Read more...]
Stories of Takapūneke and Akaroa Harbour
Two videos that will help you understand the tragedy and the miracle that surrounds the land at Stories Takapūneke and Akaroa Harbour. Last summer we stayed at Tikau Bay on western shores of Akaroa, and we looked across at a newly created sculptured area to the South of the main town. Later … [Read more...]
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