Category: Uncategorized

The Local Government Amendment Bill 2012 is now law. Introduction of the Bill managed to achieve something very rare in New Zealand’s history, it managed to unite all of Local Government against it. The offending provision was one that changed the purpose of local government.  Previously the purpose was to enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on…

Dame June Mariu’s investiture was recently celebrated at Hoani Waititi Marae. June is one of those rare people without whom our communities would not be the same.  June and her peers form an important group whose dedication, generosity and commitment make that community a better place to live in. During June’s life she has achieved many…

By Greg Presland Thanks for all of the feedback on this issue.  A number of people have asked for more detailed plans.  I have now posted larger jpgs of the original pictures.  Just click on the thumbnail to bring up the larger picture.  Please note they are big, up to 4.6 meg and will take…

By Greg Presland Atkinson Road has been in the news this year.  After learning that it had the ninth busiest speed cameras in the country local resident Jennifer Conlon decided that something had to be done.  The street is remarkable in that it is home for two primary schools and a pre school and a…

By Greg Presland This is the description that Leighton Smith gave the Waitakere Ranges Local Board for its decision to try and preserve Piha’s Pohutukawa tree.  But he misses the point. To recap, in an extraordinarily short time and without giving any notice to local residents Auckland Council managed to obtain a resource consent to cut a…