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...
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Council’s asset stripping Long Term Plan – a long term disaster for Auckland
The Port of Auckland, 100% owned by the people of Auckland and earning $1M a week. Mayor Wayne Brown no longer wants to move the Port – just its ownership. Long Term Plan –...
The ecological crisis in the Hauraki Gulf – and what to do about it
I have always been well aware that the name of the council ward I represent is Waitematā & Gulf. In this month’s column I wish to talk about the Hauraki Gulf and a meaningful...
It’s time for action to sort out helipad consents
Helicopters and helipads, the disturbance they cause, the ear-shattering intrusion on neighbours’ quiet enjoyment of their homes and properties has been a problem on Waiheke for well over ten years now, especially problematic over...
The Auckland Council war on Auckland’s city centre: the city centre fights back
It’s been quite a year hasn’t it. Looking back to last December I recall a mood of hopeful expectation that the new mayor and council would soon ‘fix’ Auckland Council and its unpopular CCOs....
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...
Save the Downtown Car Park Building
Shery Gartner is a concerned Aucklander. An accountant, she has been waging a determined campaign to save the Downtown Car Park Building. Shery is convinced that the building’s 1944 off-street car parks are vital...
Election disaster for Labour in the year of three prime ministers
There was little doubt in the weeks leading up to the election that this would be one of change – but no-one imagined the scale of it. Not even the most optimistic of incoming...
My rise and fall as an AT director
On 27 July on the motion of mayor Wayne Brown I was removed as a director of Auckland Transport (AT) and replaced with Cr Chris Darby. I can’t say the move was unexpected. I...
Farewell to a great Aucklander – Judge Arnold Turner CMG, founder of Auckland’s regional parks network
I was honoured to be asked to deliver a eulogy at the funeral of Judge Arnold Turner who passed away recently at the age of 96. Apart from grieving family and friends the funeral...