A death in Glen Eden
This week the place in Glen Eden where a young Samoan man died was blessed in a simple ceremony where the man’s family remarkably talked about forgiveness.
The term ahead for the Waitakere Ranges Local Board
I have the privilege of being re elected as chair of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board and Michelle Clayton is the deputy chair.This is an excerpt from my speech to this term’s inaugural local board meeting.
How does Auckland Council's budget compare to that of an ordinary household?
There are lots of shock horror claims about Auckland Council's finances. But if you compare it to an ordinary household things are not as bad as some would make you think.
WRLB end of term report 2022 – Three years of living strangely
My review of the past three years on the Waitakere Ranges Local Board. It has been a term like no other with the effects of a global pandemic profound. Despite this we advanced much of what we wanted to do although TItirangi's chickens are still a problem ...
Bring back Waitakere City
Super City is now 12 years old. Council is too removed from the local community and local boards do not have the power to effect meaningful change. Is it time to bring back Waitakere City?
Waitakere Ranges Local Board’s proposed climate action plan
The Local Board is drafting a climate action for our area to address that most difficult of threats that will need not only national and regional but also local action if we are to properly address its effects.
Why trees are cool #1
The experience of Phoenix, Arizona suggests that trees can have a major beneficial effect on urban heat levels.
The politics of opposition to cycleways
Politicians thinking that opposition to walking and cycling measures is popular may have dramatically misread the public’s mood.
Does Auckland Council need to own cows?
Auckland Council's farming activities contribute 20% of its total greenhouse gas emissions profile and essentially they keep the grass short. Is it time for Council to get out of farming?
Auckland's proposed Climate Change dedicated rate
The mayor is proposing a dedicated rate equating to $1.18 per week for the average ratepayer to address climate change. But is it enough?
