One of the sackings I am proud of was when I was sacked by Stephen Joyce from NZTA board. The Minister had interfered with a decision we had to make as a board on a particular road which assisted a local National Party MP. The Chair, Brian Roche, gave into Ministerial bullying, as did most of the … [Read more...]
At last there are seriously good articles on how neo-liberalism is failing us badly
I recall in the 1980’s, when I chaired a Labour Party electorate committee, moving out of the chair to argue with our local MP on how wrong neo-liberalism was, as its impacts I felt were dreadful. I was working with communities all over the South Island which were being decimated by this newly found … [Read more...]
Garry reflects on Matters Maori
Much of the attention of the media over January has been on matters Māori. I have really enjoyed the debates and the discourse. I have included some of my reflections on the month's events in articles to follow. Rosemary has added the image here which has some to represent both Maori and … [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...]
I found the Kīngitanga hui at Ngāruawāhia absolutely fascinating
When the Māori king, Tuheitia Paki, called a hui at Turangawaiwai Marae in January he tapped into a vein of strength of ideas and under-the-covers debate in our country. Young and old. Māori and pakeha headed for the marae. If I’d been in the North Island I would have been there. This was the … [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...]
This week’s speaker Ella Henry – Wednesday!!
This week the Tuesday Club will meet on Wednesday - usual time 5 for 5.30pm start. I have sufficient Irish genes to say this makes absolute sense. That’s because Tuesday is Waitangi Day, a public holiday. We also have an opportunity to welcome Professor Ella Henry, Ngātikahu ki Whangaroa, … [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...]
This week’s speaker Roger Sutton on energy
This week we have Roger Sutton who is currently CEO of EA Networks and has previously been CEO of Orion as well as a range of other leadership roles in the energy world. Roger is to discuss: Come along at 5pm for a drink and we will be meeting between 5.30 and 6.30. … [Read more...]
Housing debate has moved beyond ethics
I despair at the acrimony which was displayed during the debate on PC14. At times it reminded me of the litany of the deaf. I received several quite unpleasant emails from people. I enjoyed several thoughtful messages and I empathised with their observations and encourage them to remain engaged with … [Read more...]
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