Welcome

Nau mai haere mai to my occasional blog that explores issues I face in my two main work roles. I’m a regional councillor at Otago Regional Council and a facilitator of professional practice programmes at Otago Polytechnic. In these pretty much complementary roles, I work for environmental and community regeneration. Council drives me nuts (but I generally enjoy it). Students keep me sane (clear, new thinking is inspiring). All views expressed are my own.

Rates, that perennial favourite

Here’s some of the team that have worked to restore Tucker Beach reserve - a ‘waste land’ behind the closed dump just a few kilometres...

Apr 12, 20244 min read

LTP - big costs for Lake Hayes people

By now you should have received the consultation document for the Otago Regional Council Long Term Plan (LTP). If not you can find out...

Mar 29, 20214 min read

The why of the Bee Card

Buzz off with your bee-hind the times bus card October 18, 2020 - MOUNTAIN SCENE article. This article has caused quite a ruckus and lots...

Oct 25, 20202 min read

Out and About After Lockdown

We have a new chair, Andrew Noone, a new annual plan, the Minister for the Environment overseeing our 3 water plans

Sep 17, 20205 min read

Annual plan, your views on how we spend your money

Sounds dry, but is fascinating, educating, and humbling – Annual Plan hearings. Over 3 days in the last week, our council has heard...

May 28, 202011 min read

It’s all about the wai – again

The Strategy and Policy ORC meeting tomorrow (Wednesday 13th May, 1pm) is super important. We’ll consider the aims of the Regional Land...

May 12, 20203 min read

Another letter, calling time on ORC

The letter discussed at length in my last blog has further polarised people around their views on water rights. Community groups and...

Apr 5, 20204 min read

The letter, should plans be delayed?

– 7 Councillors write a letter, excluding the other 5 (including the chair) and our treaty partner, Kāi tahu. The letter is read out on...

Apr 1, 20209 min read

Water everywhere – councillor update #3

All about water and what’s happened since Minister David Parker and Judge Peter Skelton put a metaphorical bomb under ORC’s water planning

Jan 9, 20209 min read

Wind down report – councillor update #2

Before things wind down (or up) for Christmas, and in the spirit of openness and transparency, here's details of the past month's activity.

Dec 20, 20199 min read

ORC councillor update #1

My first weeks on the Otago Regional Council (ORC) have been an intense learning curve. As the first Queenstown based councillor on the...

Nov 17, 20194 min read

Queenstown Airport Corporation Statement of Intent – the clock is ticking

There is no time to lose. Queenstown airport is within 3 years (depending on tourism slowdown) of reaching its noise boundaries.

Aug 25, 20195 min read

Talking about restoring Lake Hayes – a model for the district?

Photo credit: Destination Queenstown Lake Hayes in Autumn Otago Regional Council (ORC) Dunstan ward candidates Alexa Forbes and Richard...

Aug 19, 20196 min read

Dumbo is in the house

We declared a climate emergency

Jul 4, 20195 min read

The Future of Ladies Mile

”An important question is should Council play a proactive role or a reactive role in managing this change. Whatever option is taken it is...

Apr 17, 20194 min read

Queenstown traffic woes- lessons from Oslo

So if we want to reduce cars, reducing parking is a great step.

Mar 11, 20198 min read

Talking noise boundaries

QAC’s plans have been presented on a special website and at several community meetings

Aug 14, 20186 min read

Lessons from Aspen

“Take from those who can pay and give it to those who can’t, this is the real Aspen way." Dan Blankenship, the CEO of Aspen’s Roaring Fork

May 14, 20165 min read