GARRICK TREMAIN CARTOON - ARCHAEOLOGY LECTURE

Archaeology lecture in 100 years time…

Then in the years 2017 to 2022, New Zealand was struck by cyclone Jacinda which swept away nearly everything worthwhile
 that previous generations had built up…

 

COVID INQUIRY

 

The coalition government has confirmed the current Royal Commission of Inquiry will run its course. In effect, it will fizzle out and be replaced with a new panel and broader terms of reference which will include:

·         The use of vaccines during the pandemic including the mandates, vaccine safety and approval and the monitoring of adverse reactions.

·         The social and economic impacts of the lockdowns, and

·         The government’s decision-making and management of the pandemic.

Further details about phase 2 are expected next month.  The announcement has been welcomed by various groups advocating for a comprehensive and independent review.

FLUORIDATION - UPDATE

At the 27 June meeting the WDC confirmed that fluoridation of the Whau Valley, Ruddells, Ruakaka and Ahuroa water treatment plants would be added to these water supplies from the last week in February 2025. This is despite vocal opposition from the public and despite an earlier referendum on the issue rejecting fluoridation.

WDC SHUTS DOOR ON PUBLIC HAVING A SAY ON MAORI WARDS

The Whangarei District Council has again ignored the 15,000 people who signed the petition calling for the public to have a say on Māori Wards. In a submission to the Justice Committee considering legislation that would restore the right of the public to have a say, the WDC said it opposed the amendment. They said:

·         It would damage their relationship with local hapu.

·         Is inconsistent with the Principles of the Treaty, and the council's “obligations to maintain, improve and facilitate opportunities for Maori to contribute to local authority decision-making”.

Councillors Olsen and Yovich asked for their vote against the submission to be noted.

LGNZ INCREASE BRINGS SWIFT REACTION, FROM OTHERS

The Christchurch City Council has resigned from Local Government NZ (LGNZ), saying it needed to save money to minimise rate increases.

That is not the position the WDC has taken. Councillors have voted to remain a member, despite a substantial increase in the annual membership fee. We have been told most councillors thought the cost “was not enough to worry about”.  Perhaps a householder can now say they don’t have to pay their rates because it is not enough for the council to worry about!

17.2% RATE RISE CONFIRMED

The WDC has confirmed the 17.2% rate increase, despite widespread opposition. Those who voted in favour of the increase were Mayor Vince Cocurullo and councillors Gavin Benney, Nicholas Connop, Ken Couper, Deborah Harding, Patrick Holmes, Scott McKenzie, and Carol Peters.

Those against the increase were Phil Halse, Marie Olsen, Simon Reid, Phoenix Ruka, and Paul Yovich.

Despite pleas from the public to cut costs instead of increasing rates, councillors added new spending items! That included an additional $960,000 over two years for the Whangarei Art Museum which manages the Hundertwasser. 

This is despite assurances when the project was first proposed that no additional ratepayer funding would be required.  Councillors appear to have taken the easy way out of the Hundertwasser’s financial problems, and that is to put their hands deeper into ratepayer pockets.