I’m deeply concerned about the cuts to safety programmes, environmental management and public transport which will all cost more than just money. The missing information on the Eastern Busway, Community Safety Fund and Ormiston Town Centre make it difficult to fully understand the impact.
With everything that has been happening, we've become accustomed to drastic action in the face of a crisis. But even still, the proposed Auckland Council emergency budget is still a shock.
In a piece in the NZ Herald, Christopher Luxon and Simeon Brown have both called for the Eastern Busway to be built faster. It's great to see the support for this critical transport infrastructure project for East Auckland.
I don’t often agree with Winston Peter’s but on Taiwan joining the World Health Organisation (WHO) I agree. In the same way that China doesn't get to decide what Taiwan does, they don't get to decide what New Zealand does either.
The Howick Local Board for April was held online but not open to the public. I normally attend these and it was a shame to not be able to attend this, but I understand that changes are necessary in these challenging times.
COVID19 has required an unprecedented response at all levels of government and local council is not immune. As the health and economic impacts of the pandemic are beginning be understood, it's clear that we need to rethink our short term plans.
Thanks to the poor actions of Auckland Airport, Auckland Council "lost an immediate $18 million in the value of its shareholding last week, and had missed a $70m gain".
For generations NZ has under invested in infrastructure and, while today's announcement is welcome, it's not enough to address the gaps, let alone take us forward.
Putting up prices during a climate emergency is absurd. I appreciate that some of the restrictions come from parliament, with farebox recovery mandated but when will our leaders get serious about standing up for our city, our environment and our future?
Auckland Council governance is a shambles, if we have to pay to properly understand it then let's get it done. But I worry that this will just generate an expensive, glossy report that achieves nothing.
Last Friday was the deadline for all candidates to complete their donations and expenses return. Every election (local and central) requires candidates to declare how they raised their funds and where it was spent
Congratulations to the new and re-elected members of the Howick Local Board. I'm thrilled to see that the Local Board has retained much of its experience while also gaining some new blood.
I want to thank everyone who voted for me, regardless of the outcome I appreciate your support and the trust you have placed in me. Thank you everyone who helped during the campaign, your support made it all possible.
