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...
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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...
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...