Category: Community

  • Auckland Council’s finances and Covid-19

    Auckland Council’s finances and Covid-19

    I interviewed westie Councillor Shane Henderson recently. We had a talk about Covid-19 and the implications for Auckland Council. The audio is here if you want to listen. We reviewed the first six months of the new term. It certainly is an interesting time to be in office. Neither of us had any idea it…

  • Chair’s report – Corvid-19 is changing everything

    Chair’s report – Corvid-19 is changing everything

    I am sure I have no need to tell you that we are living in a difficult time. So far locally we have been shielded from the direct effects of the Covid-19 virus but throughout the world we are seeing the effects that the virus is having on health systems and communities. And the economic…

  • Remember March 15

    Remember March 15

    Twelve months ago the unthinkable happened to Aotearoa New Zealand.  A right wing extremist armed with weapons of mass destruction went on a rampage through a Christchurch mosque and killed 51 human beings and injured another 49. I can recall the day well.  I had been to Aotea Square at Auckland where thousands and thousands…

  • Chair’s report February 2020 – Waitangi day, Watercare and our Greenways Plan

    Chair’s report February 2020 – Waitangi day, Watercare and our Greenways Plan

    This is my first report for the new year. Already the year is off to a flying start and probably the same as for the rest of you the holidays are a distant memory … Water We are in the middle of a gloriously warm summer. Also dry, too dry for a number of westies.…

  • The new term

    The new term

    The text of my speech for the inaugural meeting of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board. Can I first thank Mana Whenua for starting our meeting and our term in a most appropriate way. Can I thank everyone for attending this the inaugural meeting of the fourth Waitakere Ranges Local Board. I have had the privilege…