A new marine reserve for the Hauraki Gulf?
– my letter to PM Christopher Luxon As Aucklanders we know the Hauraki Gulf as one of New Zealand’s ‘jewels in the crown’. A scenic masterpiece, an unsurpassed recreational boating paradise and at the...
Ponui Kiwi for Waiheke?
Letter to the editor Gulf News Dear Editor, In regard to the forthcoming talk by the inspirational Paul Ward hosted by Te Korowai o Waiheke, it’s really encouraging to hear of good news on...
The election of paradoxes: how the ‘insider’ was really the outsider – and vice versa
This is my last column as the councillor for Waitematā & Gulf so I wish to thank all the wonderful people who have helped and supported me over my time as your representative. A...
Letter around Auckland Council decision to evict speedway from Western Springs Stadium raises complaint to Serious Fraud Office.
Advertise with NZME. Home / New Zealand Letter raises complaint to Serious Fraud Office on moving speedway from Western Springs By Bernard Orsman Auckland Reporter·NZ Herald· 2 Feb, 2025 05:00 AM5 mins to read NOW PLAYING • Allegedly fraudulent...
The gentrification of Western Springs Stadium -Council evicts speedway – Ponsonby Rugby Club next?
ALL Black rugby great, Sir Bryan (B.G.) Williams with the future of Ponsonby Rugby Club, members of the under 6 team. At left coach Steve Livesay. Those readers who follow local government reasonably closely...
Auckland Transport and the People’s Wharf
the relentless empire and its ambitions for Queens Wharf Many Aucklanders would have thought ‘Yes!! on hearing Mayor Wayne Brown’s call for the breakup of Auckland Transport. But one shouldn’t get one’s hopes up...
It’s time we were honest about what we really mean by marine protection
ts time we were honest about what we really mean by marine protection It must be very frustrating for the prime minister that last-minute changes to the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection...
Council’s Representation Review – is our local political class putting its own interests before the public’s?
In a recent article entitled ‘An age of discontent growing in New Zealand’, political scientist Bryce Edwards analysed public opinion surveys, revealing an increasing decline in public trust and respect for politicians and the...
A weekend in Brittany
On Thursday evening, 27 June at about 5.40pm, after another marathon meeting of the council’s governing body, where I had anxiously waited to cast my vote against the so-called ‘Future Fund’ (because it means...
Another helipad battle in the western bays
In my April column I reported on the disappointing opposition of the mayor and a majority of Auckland councillors to my notice of motion for a plan change making helipads in private residential areas...
Adieu to Auckland’s Grande Dame? – Smith & Caughey’s proposed closure another blow to the central city
The news of the proposed closure in 2025 of Smith and Caughey’s with the loss of nearly 250 jobs came as sad blow not only for the staff but for many other Aucklanders as...
Council’s Long term plan debate – Port saved, airport sold
The Council’s Long-Term Plan was approved after a long, difficult day on 16 May. The author in full cry in a last ditch attempt to stop the sale of council’s legacy shares in Auckland...
President Eisenhower’s ‘Cross of iron’ speech,
ANZAC Day, Dawn Parade, Waiheke Island We gather here once again this morning – as is our custom – to keep vigil and bear witness to the fallen. To remember not only their great...