North Rodney escape bid could help rest Auckland
When members of the Herne Bay Ratepayers Association Inc (HBRAI) asked to meet with me in May and included on the agenda the application by a rural northern Rodney group to break away from...
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Opening speech at the Federation of Rail Operators of NZ (FRONZ) conference, June 2016
Good morning and greetings to my friends and colleagues from here in Auckland and to all of those from up and down the line – and a special welcome to those from overseas –...
Auckland’s disproportionate growth – not sustainable nor affordable
A letter I wrote to the Minister of Building and Housing Nick Smith requesting a revocation of a special housing area (SHA) at Kelmarna Avenue, Herne Bay, provoked a furious response. It has also...
The Nick Smith File
Letter to Hon Dr Nick Smith from Cr Mike Lee 22-April-2016 (1) Letter to Mike Lee from Hon Dr Nick Smith (2) Letter to Hon Dr Nick Smith 16-May-2016 (3)
My grandfather’s letter
I have had quite a long association with the Ponsonby during my time in politics, first with the Auckland Regional Council (I was first elected to the ARC ‘Auckland Central’ electorate in February 1992)...
A long time coming – the story of the Parnell Station
Good things in politics never come easy and unfortunately the converse also is true. Nothing illustrates this maxim better than the protracted saga of the Parnell Station. First proposed by ARTA transport planners in...
Too bloody big for its boots – Auckland Council arrogance sparks citizens’ backlash
After years of disruptive change, rates and user charge increases, and various scandals, Auckland really did need a period of political stability and civic calm. But no. Last November, the Council’s Unitary Plan committee,...
A funny thing happened on the way to the airport – the trams versus trains debate
Readers who’ve followed my political career will be aware that I am a long time advocate for ‘light rail’ – by that I mean trams, sleek high-tech versions of which are rolling out...
Next up from the Super City – plans to flog off public assets and parks
Late on Friday afternoon, 13 November, a thick document landed on my desk – marked in bold red capitals ‘Embargoed until 10am Friday 13 November’. (!) I knew exactly what the EY (Ernst &...
Auckland’s unique heritage townscapes – if we want to keep them we may have to fight for them
It was predictable but still disappointing that Auckland Council has revealed there is no heritage merit in thousands of houses and buildings across the garden suburbs of Auckland – effectively leaving them open for...