Category: Greg Presland
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The Trees are safe for now …
By Greg Presland The Environment Court has struck a blow for tree protection. The Government through changes to the RMA enacted in 2009 removed the ability for District Plans to contain blanket tree protection rules. This really worried me. If my worst fears were realised then all trees on private land in Titirangi and Glen…
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Penny Hulse is right about Super City
By Greg Presland I have known Auckland’s Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse for a while now. We were foundation members of Team West, a progressive coalition that successfully contested the Waitakere City local body elections in 2001 and we were both elected to the Council. While we were on Council we did not always see eye…
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The Spatial Plan unleased
Auckland’s Spatial Plan has now been launched. The document is an impressive collection of ideas but short on the technical details which everyone is looking for. It is definitely aspirational and economic growth and environmental protection targets are referred to without really attempting to work out the tensions between the two. The proposals that will…
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The Great Radio New Zealand Mayoral Debate
by Greg Presland I attended the Mayoral Debate this morning hosted by Radio New Zealand. Present were the three leading candididates, Len Brown, John Banks and Andrew Williams. Before the debate started the body language was fascinating. Len and Banksie shook hands warmly. The chill between Banks and Williams was evident. Len spoke about his…
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Why Local Government is important
By Greg Presland Our hearts and best wishes go to the people of Christchurch who are obviously struggling with life changing events. After seeing the photographs and video all that I can say is that I am astounded that as far as I am aware no one has been killed as a direct result of…