This week we have a representative from the Greater Christchurch Forum and James Caygill from Waka Kotahi talking about transportation and roading options in Canterbury. It is fundamental that we plan many things beyond current local government boundaries. One major issue is transportation. This … [Read more...]
The public and private sectors have different roles after disasters
When we had our hour of need after the earthquakes we received considerable assistance from other councils. Before central government drove everybody away and took over through agencies like Cera. I will forever mourn how Roger Sutton was treated by the Wellington brigade. When Roger “left” … [Read more...]
Water charges must be universal
We received at home a bill for excess water charges recently. It amounted to $26.88. We had been a bit nervous about how high it might be as we have a large site with expansive gardens including vegetables growing profusely. Many houses aren’t being sent water charges because they have no water … [Read more...]
Let us quietly reflect on this the 4th anniversary of the Mosque murders
Four years ago, we were in a state of anxiety and grief. How could this happen to us in Christchurch. How could innocent members of our community be gunned down in our city? I well remember going to collect my grandson from Christchurch East school the day of the massacre. There are a large … [Read more...]
I’m not sure that amalgamation of local authorities is necessarily a good thing
The North Island floods have caused me to sit and wonder whether or not large amalgamations are a good idea. I’m not sure the bringing together of all the Councils of Auckland served that community well or not, especially over a major event like they have experienced. At one stage of my life I … [Read more...]
Will the proposed water reforms remedy this challenge – Catchment and Drainage Boards
While I think about water and its impact on the people of New Zealand I was informed during the week that Esk Valley in Hawkes Bay has flooded on a number of occasions. It flooded badly in 1938. Here’s a picture taken at the time: During the War legislation was passed which created Catchment … [Read more...]
Youth March on Council
I feel a real sense of hope when I view intelligent young people taking over the Council foyer. It’s wonderful to see young people challenging those in powerful positions: To give him his due the mayor turned up. He was generally unable to answer the questions thrust at him. I find it hard … [Read more...]
Housing for all in our community
This city still has hundreds of children in motels. It’s the seed bed for a disaster in 20 years as these adults of the future drift from one motel unit to another. From one school to another. These are the neighbour-less drifting families shot to bits for a variety of reasons. However, the Pontius … [Read more...]
In conclusion 21 March 2023
Garry writes 21 February 2023
Kim Hill said it accurately when she started her programme on Saturday morning saying that she felt helpless when she viewed the disaster which had hit this country. She had a house which was dry. Her roof didn’t leak, and she just sat and thought what could she do? Who couldn’t relate to that in … [Read more...]