top of page
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
67 views
0 comments
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
714 views
0 comments
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
60 views
0 comments
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
50 views
0 comments
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
42 views
0 comments
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
35 views
0 comments
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
22 views
0 comments
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
27 views
0 comments
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
14 views
0 comments
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
17 views
0 comments
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
16 views
0 comments
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
19 views
0 comments
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
44 views
0 comments
Dumbo is in the house
We declared a climate emergency
Jul 4, 20195 min read
13 views
0 comments
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
10 views
0 comments
Queenstown traffic woes- lessons from Oslo
So if we want to reduce cars, reducing parking is a great step.
Mar 11, 20198 min read
28 views
0 comments
Talking noise boundaries
QAC’s plans have been presented on a special website and at several community meetings
Aug 14, 20186 min read
10 views
0 comments
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
47 views
0 comments
bottom of page