I’m a friend of Rebecca Macfie. She is a superb journalist. We are lucky to have her living in this country. She has written a book about one of New Zealand’s great union leaders, Helen Kelly. Sadly, Helen died young of cancer. She would have made a wonderful Labour Prime Minister. There have … [Read more...]
The Wizard and Alice
Around 44 years ago Pam and I got married. We had to get married early in the morning as the Priest who was to marry us, Jim Consedine, had to go to a demonstration in Wellington. At the wedding function the Wizard and Alice were guests. I don’t think Alice was his fiancé then. The Wizard cast a … [Read more...]
Rob Campbell
In Spinoff this week there was a really honest and in places, raw, interview with Rob Campbell. Trade unionist, turned company director. The interview traced his really interesting life through to today. One issue fascinated me. Rob was encouraged by the leaders in the Trade Union movement to … [Read more...]
A nostalgic view down memory lane about DC3 aircraft:
For those of us of a certain age the DC3 was often the first plane we flew on. I was 22 before I first went on a plane. Below is a marvellous article about how the DC3 has been banned from flying in the UK because of “health and safety” danger. The sort of people who write health and safety plans … [Read more...]
Last week’s speaker: Susan Krumdieck.
What a fantastic speaker Susan was. She quietly, and with good humour, took us through what Transition Engineering is and what responsibility engineers have to lead the path to our society addressing Global Warming. I really liked when she started by demonstrating how engineers found a solution … [Read more...]
A beautiful story about the sort of hero working behind the scenes:
Every now and then you watch something quite precious. It’s always about somebody who is going beyond what is normally expected of people. In this case it is one special Court worker who works in the area of family violence. Alongside her is an equally special Judge who works to achieve the same … [Read more...]
Syd’s moped run:
Once upon a time there was an unforgettable character in the Vintage Car Club, called Syd Falconer. When his family asked what he wanted for his 70th birthday he said “nothing” “I’m going on a moped run”. Then he got his mates to run one for him. On the first run there were 6 or 7 bikes (I … [Read more...]
The number of Pacific Island MP’s in Parliament is impressive:
The article below covers many issues. However, a few really stand out: Takanini MP elect Anae Dr Neru Leavasa is one to watch out for. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has mentioned him a handful of times already for his work as a GP. He understands first-hand that health denominates all other … [Read more...]
Francis Valintine on thinking about the future:
This interview is about what doors would open and what would our lives unfold if we allowed ourselves to follow our curiosity? Frances founded The Mind Lab and Tech Futures Lab and in this interview the focus is on her childhood, the role of her grandparents in her life, memories of photography … [Read more...]
Comments by John Burn:
Each day I receive a daily blog from John Burn, who was a City Councillor back in the days when dinosaurs roamed the planet. In fact, when I think about it, he might be a direct descendent. However, I allow myself to be distracted. This week I took the poor old chap out to a café for a wee break … [Read more...]