Today I got a phone call from a lady who (also) lives in Glen Eden. She had some interesting thoughts about life in the area over the past 4 decades and took the trouble to ring me up (having looked up my somewhat distinctive surname in the phone book).
Did you know that Glen Eden used to have three supermarkets? Neither did I.
She said she wouldn't vote for anyone unless she'd spoken to them ... so I hope she enjoyed our 20-min chat!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Waitakere - people and places - "I'll listen"
If you live in the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area (see below), I'd LOVE your vote.
In Waitakere, our people and places need protecting. And your voice deserves to be heard.
I'll listen.
In Waitakere, our people and places need protecting. And your voice deserves to be heard.
I'll listen.
Past, Present, Future - time to vote!
Thanks for checking out my campaign blog! I guess if you're reading this (and clearly you are) then you'll have seen the link on my card.
Voting papers for this local government election have now hit the streets, so it's time to vote!
I'd encourage you to give your vote to candidates that seem most willing to listen to you, whichever you decide those ones to be.
My own vote won't be going to those intent on emphasising how long they've been in the business of local government. Some of those candidates seem content to rest on the laurels of supposed past glories ... and certainly don't acknowledge the value of bringing some fresh thinking and new ideas to the table.
However you cast your vote, thanks for taking part in our great democratic process.
Voting papers for this local government election have now hit the streets, so it's time to vote!
I'd encourage you to give your vote to candidates that seem most willing to listen to you, whichever you decide those ones to be.
My own vote won't be going to those intent on emphasising how long they've been in the business of local government. Some of those candidates seem content to rest on the laurels of supposed past glories ... and certainly don't acknowledge the value of bringing some fresh thinking and new ideas to the table.
However you cast your vote, thanks for taking part in our great democratic process.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Inform and Entertain? NZHerald: 0 / 2
I cannot tell you how frustrated I am with coverage of the Auckland Council elections.
This morning the NZ Herald had an elections supplement, which was worse than useless as it purported to be everything and was really nothing. Of the 43 candidates for the Waitakere Ward's two local boards, for example, they mentioned a grand total of ... 3.
And Brian Rudman has the hide to announce in typically patronising fashion that "[t]his paper has done its best to educate Aucklanders about the new structures and candidates". It's done nothing of the sort. As usual.
This morning the NZ Herald had an elections supplement, which was worse than useless as it purported to be everything and was really nothing. Of the 43 candidates for the Waitakere Ward's two local boards, for example, they mentioned a grand total of ... 3.
And Brian Rudman has the hide to announce in typically patronising fashion that "[t]his paper has done its best to educate Aucklanders about the new structures and candidates". It's done nothing of the sort. As usual.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
a Swanson swansong? meet the (same old) candidates!
Attended a meet-the-candidates meeting tonight in Swanson, at the kind invitation of Celebrating Swanson.
Each candidate was asked the question, "What would you do to ensure the unique identity of the West is preserved in the new Auckland Council?" (or similar wording).
I used my 2-minute speaking slot to emphasise that, as a local board candidate, my role would be one of advocacy for the west.
To discover Waitakere's "unique identity" its representatives will need to listen to the people to discern the aspects of life here that must be preserved.
The candidates' ranks are dominated by former and present local body politicians seeking re-election, though a few new faces are visible. Will the Swanson meeting (and the others to follow) be a swansong though? Time will tell!
Each candidate was asked the question, "What would you do to ensure the unique identity of the West is preserved in the new Auckland Council?" (or similar wording).
I used my 2-minute speaking slot to emphasise that, as a local board candidate, my role would be one of advocacy for the west.
To discover Waitakere's "unique identity" its representatives will need to listen to the people to discern the aspects of life here that must be preserved.
The candidates' ranks are dominated by former and present local body politicians seeking re-election, though a few new faces are visible. Will the Swanson meeting (and the others to follow) be a swansong though? Time will tell!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Knock, knock, knocking on westies' doors ...
It's been a great day of door-knocking.
I was pleased to meet so many citizens and canines of West Auckland, none of whom bit me (neither the people nor pooches, that is).
I was pleased to meet so many citizens and canines of West Auckland, none of whom bit me (neither the people nor pooches, that is).
Earthquakes | thoughts, prayers and thoughtful preparations
Like others around the country, our thoughts and prayers are with the good people of Christchurch today following the large earthquake and attendant destruction.
From a Waitakere Ranges perspective, it will be interesting to consider what other preparations we can make for such a tragedy, when and if something similar occurs closer to home.
From a Waitakere Ranges perspective, it will be interesting to consider what other preparations we can make for such a tragedy, when and if something similar occurs closer to home.
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