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The Porirua Wellington Web Blog - September 2005

This blog is about political and community issues in Porirua City and the Wellington Region. It is the view of one person, and you are not hearing the other side! For current material please visit The Porirua Wellington Web Blog - Current Material

Porirua City Councillor Robert Shaw

I would like to report that efficient advocacy by councillors resulted in a reduction of charges. However, it turns out that bills were sent out in error and corrected the next day when the mistake was discovered.
r
Wednesday, September 28, 2005

COUNCILLOR JOHN GREEN ON JENNY'S CLASH WITH KERRY

"Grays Road is an integral link in the East/West flow to and from SH1 and the Upper and Lower Hutt Valleys if the Coastal upgrade proceeds and therefore should be factored in as an additional cost of doing the Coastal upgrade - in that respect I agree with Jenny that the full cost of the Coastal upgrade, and all its associated links and upgrades, needs to be taken into account when decisions are made. What I don't agree with is the councils in the region, including PCC, getting involved in a tit for tat squabble about the cost of the various options. We are reverting to behaviours of the past that are entirely unproductive. PCC passed a resolution about a principled process for decision making and during that discussion it was my recollection that we agreed no matter what comments came from other councils, especially Wgtn (ie Kerry Prendergast) we were not going to get drawn into I told you so's etc. It is also my recollection that we also agreed, even if Wgtn came out and claimed the principled approach as their own, especially if this gave them space to realign their position, we would quietly let that happen. It seems to me we have not adhered to either the fact or spirit of the principles decision but are back now in an I am right you are wrong points scoring exercise. It wasn't winning us the case previously and I fail to see how this continued approach can win us the case in the future. The community is now becoming well involved in debating the costs and implications of the Coastal upgrade and whilst we have been, and should continue to support them in this endeavour w as a council have to get smarter in our own communications instead of irritating those we should be working with on the inside to influence a different outcome. Cheers John".
Wednesday, September 28, 2005

HOW MUCH HAS COME TO PASS?

I was sent by email a PCC media release from two years ago and asked, how much of this happened? It is a good question, and I really do not know the answer.
r

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate use

Date: 5.11.03

Tel: (04) 237 5089

NISHIO VISIT RAISES NEW BUSINESS POTENTIAL

A combined education and tourism package involving students and parents from

Nishio is one of a number of concepts to be worked up following a Porirua City

delegation to their sister city in Japan .

Delegation member Dr Roger Blakeley said the scheme could involve fee paying

students spending six months or longer at a local school or the Whitireia Polytechnic

coupled with a visit by parents.

“Students can pay up to $8000 in fees alone for a six month course at Whitireia.

Studies have shown that this figure doubles when other spending is taken into

account, such as food, accommodation and general living costs.

“It is clear from our visit to Nishio that there is huge potential in designing packages

for both students from Nishio and their parents; that the parents would like to come

out here and visit their children and that when they do, they would also like to do

other tourist-type things, like play golf. Golf, for instance, is an absolutely luxury

back in Japan .”

Dr Blakeley said he and others in the Porirua City delegation talked about the concept

when in Nishio last week and struck a very receptive cord. “It is clear there is real

potential here and it is now up to us to talk it through with local tourist operators and

educationalists.”

Dr Blakeley said trade opportunities discussed included green tea exports to New

Zealand through a Porirua City connection, and Nishio being used as a distribution

centre for New Zealand exports.

Discussions were also held with the chairman of the Nishio Chamber of Commerce

about investment opportunities in Porirua. “Nishio people have already shown a

preparedness to invest here by putting $2 million into the Marina Motor Lodge.”

Dr Blakeley said Business Porirua representative Mandy Natusch had remained

behind for further talks whilst another member of the team had travelled on to Osaka

for talks about a possible rugby involvement in the upcoming International 10s

tournament planned for February.

Delegation members included Mayor Jenny Brash (who returns home Friday), Deputy

Mayor Kevin Watson, Councillors John Green and Maureen Gillon, and a number of

city residents and business representatives.

Initial media inquiries to Roger Foley on 021 303381.

PLIMMERTON RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION SEPTEMBER MEETING

Ruth and I attended the Plimmerton Assoc meeting last night. They are most business like. Crs John Green and Euon Murrell were doing good work there when we arrived, and Helen Chipper was chairperson for the night. There is general concern about the way the Council operates and the burden that the Council puts on communities through the consultation process. The Maori decided they should be paid to be consulted and established a contract for that purpose. Plimmerton may soon develop similar thoughts. We might think of a particular person, paid for by the Council, but working for the Association - a Community Officer. They would handle all the basics of running the association and provide PA services to the chairperson. The Community Officer idea relates to the wider question of how we integrate communities into Council decision-making. I wonder if Councillors will get that far in their deliberations over committee structures etc etc (probably not).

It was said at the meeting that the Council has 320 staff members! I hope not. It was just a few years ago when there were 210 full-time-equivalents on the staff. We have to move staff out of the peripheral roles (eg sports coordinator) and into the core areas that need work.

It is probably fair to say that overall people are positive towards the regional sports facility provided its use is well directed at local people and the impact on rates is minimal. The further $40,000 for research will be agreed to by Council tonight and the project will proceed into the deliberations over the draft Long Term Council Community Plan.

Slowly it is dawning on people that apart from it being anathema to use a reserve for a commercial purpose, the lights and cars associated with a golf range will totally destroy the ambiance of many Plimmerton hill top dwellers, including our very own mayor. The idea that the Council supports the golf so that the Council can generate income, and thus reduce rates, defeats the purpose of having a Council. The golf plan will die, but the effort involved in researching it and opposing it, drains our scarce resources.
r
Tuesday, September 27, 2005

SOME THOUGHTS ON HOW TO MAKE THE COUNCIL FUNCTION BETTER

Before treatment there has to be diagnosis. So what are the things we are trying to fix:

• We all must never lose sight of the one output of the Council: quality decisions (the Council itself produces nothing else).
  • The officers' advice must be directed at major decisions
  • Advice would be more useful if it was a little more focused and less verbose (the two page maximum rule is a good one)
  • All councillors must be able to input equally into major decisions
  • Councillors need to gain satisfaction from their participation in decision-making, not frustration and stomach ulcers
  • Councillors could better support the decisions that are made
  • Advocates could stick much more closely to the agreed policy once it is agreed
  • Responsibilities regarding decision-making could be better understood
  • The decisions made need to be associated with implementation provisions (eg budget limits and timeframe's)
  • Rules and how they contribute to quality decision-making, could be better understood and accepted.
• Councillors legitimate political interests need to be accommodated within the structures.
• When there are meeting times and agendas, items appear to fill them. Hence, officers write in a rush, details gain a greater place than is desirable, once written officers naturally want their work to appear in the agenda, and councillors cannot read everything that is produced (if I read all the papers of Council on which I must vote it would take more than a day a week and I am experienced in policy work). We could decide what is a reasonable level of decision-making for a $42 million Council with 50,000 people and stick to it. I would suggest about 2 hours of meeting time a week would be about right, but realistically it might fan out to about 4 hours a week.
• Councillors need to be assisted to bring forward their ideas and have them considered without disruption to the whole Council.
• The public needs to be assisted to input directly to councillors when decisions are about to be made and in the light of the officers' advice
• Committees must always be doing real work: papers to note and for information should not appear.
• Meetings could be shorter and alternative methods used for information dissemination.
• Councillors could focus much more on matters of principle and broad direction, and leave implementation to officers.
• It needs to be accepted that where an agenda as a whole, or a particular item, is of little interest to a councillor, that councillor may be absent.
• Planning documents could be made much more useful to the councillors and the public.
• With useful and adequate planning documents, the need for ad hoc documentation would be reduced.

Hence, to address these things.

1. Have just two committees and have all councillors on both committees.
2. Have a Judicial Committee functioning in the innovative format developed last year, but with its scope extended to grant applications of all kinds and Reserves' Act decision-making.
3. Regularise the meeting cycle to make it easier for people to plan their lives. Make one day of the week the meeting day and stick to both the day and the time.
   1. Week 1: Committee One
   2. Week 2: Committee Two
   3. Week 3: Time reserved for special meetings
   4. Week 4: Full Council.
4. Delegate much more to the Committees (you can do this easily if they are committees of the whole) and to the chief executive.
5. Make all councillors equally responsible for , and involved with, the chief executive by having his management placed with a committee in the normal way.
6. Appoint citizens to committees - youth, business, church person (say).
7. Radically, reduce the number of papers that go to committees, insist on papers being short and to the point, and allow for optional briefings where groups of councillors and citizens want to become better informed on particular matters.
8. Remove the "status" elements of the chairpersons positions.
9. Appoint all councillors to specified spokesperson positions, and have officers actively support them in this.
10. Integrate the education of councillors with the decision-making by having mini briefings with one or two items during each committee meeting.

I would appreciate any comments on this tentative proposal.
r
Sunday, September 25, 2005

CHRIS FINLAYSON NOT YET A QC

"Attorney-General Michael Cullen confirmed through his press secretary, Patricia Herbert, that the sole reason Mr Finlayson failed in his bid (to become a QC) was because he might be elected to Parliament. “It’s not appropriate to appoint someone who is a list candidate this close to an election,” Ms Herbert said.

She said Mr Finlayson ’s decision to enter politics “did not show a strong ongoing commitment to the profession at this stage.”

This is despite two of the four appointed QCs this week ­ Tomas Kennedy-Grant, Helen Aikman, David Jones, and John Burrows ­ not being actively practising lawyers.

Mr Finlayson , who is still actively practising as a lawyer, is number 27 on the National Party’s list and is the candidate in the Mana electorate. He is unlikely to win Mana but is almost guaranteed a spot in Parliament because of his list placing.

He declined to comment on the QC issue but it is understood he intends to keep contributing to the legal profession if he is elected to Parliament. This includes sitting on a committee overseeing revision of the High Court rules and writing for much-respected litigation text McGechan on Procedure.

In a highly unusual move, Ms Herbert said if Mr Finlayson did not make it into Parliament and reapplied, then Dr Cullen would “be happy to appoint him” if Dr Cullen remained attorney-general.

Ms Herbert said Dr Cullen expected his decision over Mr Finlayson might be an issue.

Queen’s counsel Jim Farmer did not wish to make a judgment on Dr Cullen’s decision to sideline Mr Finlayson . Instead, he pointed out the two conflicting arguments.

Describing Mr Finlayson as “distinguished” and “highly competent,” he asked why someone “worthy of appointment” such as Mr Finlayson should be disqualified because he is going into Parliament."

From NBR, with thanks.

JOKE OF THE WEEK - MORE COMMITTEES

In a Council with dramatically overburdened with committees, none of which function properly, the plan is to have another committee, called the Administration Committee. This is to be chaired by the deputy mayor. Why might the officers want this? To put there the things they want to go there. Yes, and, why might that be, and what are the alternatives?

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE - THE CURRENT REVIEW

Council is about to review its committee structure. The strategy of putting in place a review some years out is a standard sop when unhappy decisions are made - it eases the hard decisions by leaving a door open. In this case the committee structure has now worked well on several levels. However, it is impossible to isolate the "committee structure" and deal with that without attending to all the other problems that relate .Taking the wider perspective:

• The budget documents make everyone's life difficult.
• The chief executive's contract is all wrong.
• The Standing Orders do not help us; they are a barrier and a matter of debate in themselves.
• Councillors feel and are disempowered.
• The quality of advice needs attention.
• Management of the agendas is minimal.
• The membership of committees pulls us all apart.
• Decisions at committees are not supported.
• Decisions by the full Council are not respected.
• The chairpersons do not know what they are supposed to do, and even if they did it is unlikely they could develop the required skills.
• The chairpersons do not have the time in which to do the job.
• Most councillors do not read, let alone seek insight beyond the council papers.

There has actually never been attention given in the Porirua Council to these issues. In the past the "strong man" model has been our approach. Someone has decided what should happen and then they have pushed it through. Thus the Council, and indeed even the City, has come to have the features of key personalities. New councillors have fallen in with the idea that the "strong man" approach is all that can be done, and they have emulated that approach. They have required it of the current mayor saying she shows no leadership. We must be concerned about the nature of leadership these days. Mayor Jenny has her good points.

All of this relates to the enormous changes that have taken place in local government. Local government has become professionalism. You need to know about government, finance, social policy, economics, demography, management theory, biometrics, chemistry, water quality, and so it goes on. Councillors also need to have a well developed theory of community and democracy. We need council officers to help the new councillors (and the old for that matter) through the complexities. A major part of the officers' role, and the role of experienced councillors, is the training and education of new people.All this is too much for everyone. One way of looking at the challenge we have in Porirua City is to see it as the devising of a system to address the new scientific management requirements. That is, in one way, what is at the heart of the review of the committees.

There are solutions, but they all entail sacrifice. Chairpersons would need to abandon their positions, Officers would have to start working in different ways. There would have to be lots of training. All this is too difficult. What will happen is we will all agree to add "training" to the current system. Unfortunately, there is no obvious person to do the training - and I am thinking outside of the Council here. Before there can be training there has to be insight into what the training is about - in this case it is a governance and management philosophy that needs to be developed. Nor can we simply import it from another council. The uniqueness of our City, has become more and more apparent as we have proceeded .Without radical change to address the issue of decision-making we will not get anything positive from the review of the committee structure.

I will set out my suggestions later, although no one has ever listened before, let alone given new ideas serious attention. I have made a mental note not to waste to much time on this stuff, for it is pointless from my position. Realistically, only the mayor or the chief executive can advance us here. The mayor is not going to do anything, and the chief executive would have to be very brave. But, as blogged earlier, already we are going down the track to the status quo.

More specifically, on the solution or the review of committees:

Does the present structure:

• Produce decisions that are coherent, costed, and with implementation timeframe's?
• Bring the councillors together, or does it create lobby groups?
• Make full use of the talents and abilities of all councillors?
• Provide the best representation of the city that we can possibly provide?
• Are the agendas structured so that important things come first?
• Is the system of meeting efficient?
• Do members of the public feel they have sufficient opportunities to talk to the councillors in the decision-making meetings?
• Is enough time being allowed for the public to comment on the officers' advice, by speaking at the start of meetings?
• Produce meetings that leave the councillors satisfied their views have been heard?
• Produce the best decisions that the Councillors are capable of?
• Produce informal mechanisms and forums that exclude some people and make for uncertainty (eg over confidentiality)?
• Dispatch the business of Council efficiently but allow for political initiative?
• Result in councillors being committed to the decisions made?
• When decisions are made, does like get compared to like?
• Are the public satisfied with their leaders?
• Are the Standing Orders working so good, and so well understood, that they are invisible?
• Do the public believe the Council listens and responds?
• Is a strategic approach being taken to the development of the City?
• Are all councillors equally treated regarding their relationship to the chief executive?

Finally, if we are serious about the review we need to have the public involved. We need to find ways to curtail the constant stream of complaints from people frustrated as they try to get information from the Council and gain access to the Council. Just this morning I was told of an information request that has not been actioned in over 2 months and was outstanding with the Ombudsman for more than the 20 days allowed. Two days ago a slightly inebriated citizen rang me in the middle of the night with a long series of complaints about his problems trying to talk to the Council. So life proceeds. We have to do much better. I am hopeful the chief executive sets out radical advice to address the structures anew.

AFTERWORD

I never learn! The chief executive's paper on the review of the committee structure has just arrived. I quote: "I and General Managers are, by-and-large, comfortable with the current structure". WHEN WILL I EVER LEARN - the problems I see in the system do not concern others.

For me the committee review raises the issues of:

• The Buxton Garden fiasco?
• The need to strike the rates twice?
• The comunication problems over the Plimmerton Village strategy
• The problems with notices of motion
• The incredible frequency of rescinding motions
• Management advice and adminstration costs
• Problems over the interpreatation of Standing Orders
• Councillors walking out on meetings
• Workshops that brass everyone off
• The incredible amount of time everyone spends battling the system (and the lack of focus on issues)
• The lack of engagement suffered by everyone
• The credibility of the Council being so low
• People screaming at each other in meetings
• The rates being so high and about to go up, and
• Just last week, the last minute rejection of the officers' advice on the business grants etc etc.

The chief executive's paper on the reform of committees concludes: "The principal concern relates to the length of some meetings, and this could be dealt with by increased delegation to committees and the chief executive".

SUBSCRIPT

A blog reader asks me where he can see the written advice to councillors. It is fair that he should see the whole paper and not my extracts. Sorry, but the paper is not in the committee papers - it is a briefing to a secret workshop. That way, the public cannot appear before the council with their comments.

r
Saturday, September 24, 2005

BUTCHERS

A Mad Butcher franchise is coming to Porirua City , to be located in the former Briscoes Building opposite Countdown Supermarket. Cr Liz Kelly was in some way yet to be revealed instrumental in the butcher's arrival. Countdown has just reduced from 8 butchers to 3. Much of their cutting is now done in Auckland. There is talk of Preston's moving from Prosser Street to a central location.

SERIOUS QUACKING AT DUCK CREEK, WHITBY

From a Council media release: "Porirua City Council has decided to seek esplanade reserves and financial contributions (from the land owner) for the proposed residential development adjacent to Duck Creek in Whitby. Based on information currently available to Council, Duck Creek qualifies for esplanade reserves. Esplanade reserves have a statutory purpose of protecting the conservation values of the creek; for flood hazard mitigation; public access and recreational use. As a minimum, Council anticipates a need for esplanade reserve areas of at least 15m width on one side of Duck Creek's banks and at least 5m width on the other bank. It will however be seeking an increased width of up to 20 metres where this is considered necessary to recognise the values associated with esplanade reserves."

REGIONAL INDOOR SPORTS COMPLEX

In an extra-ordinary meeting of the Council on 27 September at 5.30 pm, Council will consider an officers' recommendation to spend another $40,000 on plans for the Sports Complex, and to advance the proposal into consideration in the Long Term Council Community Plan. There is also a plan to have the Porirua Community Trust raise money for the project. They are: Te Ra Arthur, Trevor Howes, Chris Kirk-Burnand, David Pritchard, Phillip Pryke, John Russell, Helen Smith, and Kevin Watson. There is concern about the $35 million facility being built next to the Cake Tin and which might be competition for our facility. I note that the officers' lament that the Wellington project has suffered "escalating costs", and I wonder how they would describe our project which started out at $6.5 million about two years ago and now is over $13 million and rising. We have for the first time an estimate of operating costs: only $509,595 each year dear ratepayers. Note the accuracy of this forecast is one part in half a million. I expect nothing else from our calculators.
September 23, 2005

HOW THE ALL BLACKS WIN

Of the many things that undermine the proper workings of the council, including particularly its committees, the secret workshops stand out. Now, we are to have a review of the committees, and guess how it starts. Yes, with a secret workshop on the 29 September. Physician heal thyself.

If the All Blacks organised like the Council they would never win a game. They are clear about their objectives. They ensure their management structures are the best for the job at hand. They select the best player for each position. They drop people who do not perform. And, most important of all, they all understand that what is required is a team effort - which means passing the ball, doing your job well, and trusting others. In contrast, we have confusion about objectives, dilapidated management structures (secret workshops, dis-empowerment, role confusion, false starts, documentation that undermines us), selection on the basis of politics, poor communication, and entrenched sometimes bitter competition. On a happy note, I can report the present bunch of councillors are pretty good compared with some other groups I could name and the officers are honest.
r
Friday, September 23, 2005

PLIMMERTON FIRE STATION

Blog reader writes: " Several years ago when the Fire service were looking to shift to Ulrich Street there was interest in the building for a potential restaurant etc etc by a group of residents. When they looked into the possible development they found the fire station had been built on land with no title. There is a LOT of interest in the development of that site as part of our village strategy."
September 23, 2005

ROBERT COMMENTS

The fire station site at Plimmerton is owned by the Porirua City Council and has no legal aspect that relates to the Ngati Toa. My view is based on information obtained from the right people within Council.
r

DETERMINATION IN PLIMMERTION - DISTRICT PLAN AND LTCCP

Chairpersons have a real challenge in Plimmerton. That community has developed its own plan for its suburb and looks to Council to see their plan reflected in Council's financial and town planning provisions.

A blog reader writes: "There were 219 people at the public meeting for the unveiling of the first cut of the Plimmerton concept plans - a record for a public meeting here, with standing room in very short supply on the night and very good profiling for a real council-community partnership - somewhat better than the 49 people in total from a City of 50,000 people, who attended the 5 public meetings for the Sports and Events Centre consultation, the 64 from the same 50,000 who made written submissions, and the 4 out of the same 50,000 who spoke to their submissions."

On the Sports Centre: "Council will be sorely tested for its credibility if it can honestly proceed (with the Sports Centre) after a response like this. Council cannot possibly believe the Sports Centre is something the community is passionate about or is prepared to pay for, surely? Perhaps they could rethink the renovate option instead."

ROBERT'S COMMENT

The Long Term Council Community Plan is the key financial planning document for the City. It needs to be radically restructured to reflect current planning needs. There are two main thrusts to the restructure: Specific provisions for Communities, and reworking of the presentation of information (and thus choices) in each of the outputs. Committee Chairpersons must push this work through. The chief executive's annual performance bonus system of "stretch objectives" should have this well covered. Unfortunately, it does not have it covered at all. What it says is, we will pay him more if he actually succeeds with the things we are already paying him to do. Do not blame the chief executive, he must do what his employer wants. Previous blogs deal with this lost opportunity. A committee comprised of the Council Chairpersons runs the chief executive's contract. Do not blame the ordinary councillors.

Instead of the officers wasting time and money on all this "regional" nonsense, setting up layers upon layers of duplicating and duplicated public servants, they need to focus on the disaster in our own backyard. Instead of protracted meetings about nutty ideas (like turning parks into commercial businesses), there needs to be real work done by committees on the mechanisms of decision-making. In short, we desperately need better advice from the officers on the things that are important, and better leadership from the mayor and chairpersons.
r
Friday, September 23, 2005

DISCOVERY SCHOOL SWIMMING POOL

I was asked today why the Council refused to contribute funds to the Discovery School Swimming Pool which evidently had to close for lack of financial support. I do not know anything about the issue, but will find out.
September 22, 2005

ADVOCATES FOR PUSHING UP THE POPULATION BY MIGRATION

The advocates for pushing up the population by migration say this in their press statement: "Population growth will not be uniformly distributed around the region under current ‘status quo’ trends. Wellington City and Kapiti Coast are likely to receive significant growth pressures, while static populations or even decline is possible for the other parts of the region". Good news for Porirua City of course - let us pray they do not destroy the small chance we have to a better lifestyle.
r
Thursday, September 22, 2005

TRANSMISSION GULLY SUPPORTERS WEBSITE LAUNCHED

http://www.gullynow.co.nz/

BUSINESS GRANTS STOPPED DEAD IN THEIR TRACKS

Councillors last night rejected the proposed grants to major business organisations. These "grants" have been the subject of long debate and negotiation by officers. Actually, they are not really supposed to be "grants". They should be contracts for services provided to the City. It is vital that the Council buys known services of good quality, otherwise the ratepayers' money is wasted.

The councillors main concern is the balance of spending of the Porirua ratepayers' money in Wellington as opposed to Porirua. There is also concern about what we are getting for our money - particularly with the Wellington based spending. Councillor Taima Fagaloa, in a very professional action, moved a procedural motion (which cannot be debated) to send the grants list back to the Strategy and Finance Committee. I managed to stop the mayor having a debate on the motion, although the chief executive insisted on his right to speak, and in coherent and carefully balanced advice he eventually said the roof does not fall in if we take longer to decide this issue (which was helpful).
r
Thursday, September 22, 2005

FIRE STATION AT PLIMMERTON

In the past the fire people have asked about moving their facility to a site on State Highway One. This is an important move for both saftey-access reasons and the future of the Plimmerton Village. A new modern station would be constructed. Some will remember the debate when the Waitangirua Station was closed and the concerns of people in Whitby and Cannons Creek.

Regarding the current site: The Plimmerton Fire Station is located on road reserve owned by Council. The arrangement was intended to be covered by a formal encroachment license, but for some reason this was never done and their present occupation is relatively informal and supported only by an exchange of letters. Comments on this appreciated.
r
Thursday, September 22, 2005

OTHERS COMMENT:

> Re Plimmerton Fire Station
>
> I may be wrong but the Fire Station was not built on road reserve but on
> land with no title. I understood that should the fire station, ( which
> is a very integral part of Plimmerton’s character as are the fire
> engines and firemen!) ever move its site to Ulrich Street as was once
> mooted, that the building and land would revert to Ngati Toa as that
> land was all part of the original Taupo Pa. That was my understanding
> but I may have it wrong. I have never heard your version of the
> agreement I must say.
>
> Helen

THE DIVE BUILDING DIVES

It is final and official, after a debate at Council last night, the Titahi Bay eyesore will go and Council will restore the site to a natural look.

Actually, it was a funny Council meeting last night. Very peaceful. Both the officers and the councillors decided they could not understand what the mayor was saying, and then you could see that slowly it dawned on everyone that it did not actually matter what she was trying to say. Cr Ken Douglass can take credit for generating the thoughts on trucks which has resulted in the action reported elsewhere in this blog.
r

TRUCKS ON NORTHERN CITY ROADS - BYLAW PROPOSAL

For several reasons now is a very good time to tighten our control of heavy vehicles on northern City roads. Hence, I have issued the following notice of motion, and would appreciate comments on it:

NOTICE OF MOTION: TRUCKS AND STATE HIGHWAYS

That the Porirua City Council chief executive reports on the establishment of by-laws to prohibit all heavy vehicles (apart from service vehicles for properties and businesses in the area) from travel on Grays Road, the Paekakariki Hill Road, the Pauatahanui Village.

That the chief executive's report lists the advantages and disadvantages of such a by-law and other options that are available to Council to lessen the traffic burden on local roads, and maximize the use of the National State Highway Roading Network. The report should also include a timetable that would enable the most rapid implementation of by-laws.
Robert Shaw
Porirua City Councillor
Thursday, September 22, 2005>

OTHERS COMMENT:

> RE Trucks and heavy vehicles on North City Roads
>
> What a pity the same strength of voice has not been heard over heavy
> trucks on Moana Road, Sunset parade, Beach Road and Steyne Avenue.
> Perhaps they need to included in the by-law also.
> Helen

COUNCILLOR'S IN THE DARK - AND TRANSMISSION GULLY IS TOSSED AWAY

I am asked about a press statement from Jenny Brash supporting Wellington's transport needs against our own in Porirua and Kapiti. All the media, and selected Porirua and Kapiti residents, have this statement - NOT any of the elected councillors. It is a tradition to keep us in the dark of course, and it makes talking to the media fun because you do not know who said what. It also often has the effect of not allowing other elected people to comment on things before they appear in the press.

But, what does the statement say. From what I am told, it says that Porirua supports the plan to develop Wellington roads to the airport and the hospital. Porirua City Council's utterances must not betray Transmission Gully (you cannot spend the money in two places), and this view is inconsistent with the regional strategy. Do people really believe that the needs of roads to the hospital and airport have not been considered in the regional strategy, and are not already factored in, in their proper priority? I am told that the recent confused and confusing motion sponsored by Cr Douglas, and carried by the Porirua Council supports the new approach - I am sorry but it makes no sense to me!

As private people and ratepayers pay for advertisements about Transmission Gully, a media statement goes out saying in effect "don't bother, spend the money in Wellington". Incidentally, the Council's media statements on Transmission Gully are about the best campaign they have ever run! The Kapi Mana spread particularly - which mentions neither the airport nor the hospital.

Both my parents are now dead and they lived at Waikanae. I am very familiar with the trip to Newtown Hospital from Waikanae and back. Let me tell you the delays are not in Wellington City; and we have already funded the Wellington inner city bypass that improves travel times at that end of things.
r
Wednesday, September 21, 2005

THE STATEMENT, NOT PROVIDED TO ME BY THE COUNCIL, I ADD

REGIONAL MAYORS WELCOME WELLINGTON STANCE ON TRANSPORT

21.9.05

Three regional mayors agree that the congested route to the Wellington International Airport should be given priority attention.

“We were delighted to read in the Dominion Post this morning that Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast believes the roads that lead to the regional airport should be given priority.

“That is exactly what we argued for at a meeting of the Regional Land Transport Committee on August 18. Kerry didn't agree then, but we are delighted that she has had a change of heart.”

At the August 18 meeting, Porirua City argued that the regional transport solution had to be effective, not minimalist, that it had to reduce the reliance on a single route into the Capital, and it had to help the region grow.

It said the solution had to be phased and integrated and it had to deal with the sharpest points of congestion first, that is, from south to north.

“The point was made that we needed to deal with congestion problems in Wellington first; that it didn't make sense improving the roads to the north whilst ignoring congestion in the Wellington CBD.

“Projects listed for Wellington included upgrades for the Basin Reserve interchange, the road to the airport, a second Terrace tunnel, upgrades for the Ngauranga to Aotea Quay, and Ngauranga to Petone.

“When you include a grade separated interchange at SH2 and SH58, the four laning of SH58 to Judgeford and the building the northern stage of transmission gully, then you have an integrated regional roading package that will make it easy for all of us to reach regional facilities in Wellington .

“Unfortunately this ‘south looking north' orientation did not find favour with the Wellington Mayor at the time. We were surprised as it seemed an obvious plus for Wellington City – an acknowledgement from other city's in the region that Wellington had transport issues that involved all of us.

“It is a positive move forward then that Wellington City appears to be acknowledging that it has a regional hospital and a regional airport and that the rest of us need good access to those two facilities, as well as easy access to our Capital.”

This statement has been issued by Porirua City Mayor Jenny Brash, Hutt City Mayor David Ogden and Upper Hutt City Mayor Wayne Guppy

DID YOU SEE THIS WET NONSENSE?

Greater Wellington are now all of a rush to develop new sources of water for us. But, why? When I was on their Utility Services Committee that was not the officers' advice. I quote from their statement

"The report outlines how supply could be maintained as the region grows. It comes in response to the Wellington Regional Strategy, which considered a supply population for metropolitan Wellington of up to 450,000 people."

Might I suggest to GW that they stick with the population forcasts from Statistics New Zealand and do not follow the wishful talk of those who think growth in numbers is good. The 450,000 figure is what the regional strategy people want to achieve by using the ratepayers' money to manipulate the population. From the point-of-view of the officers involved in the water supply, the thought of greater security of supply is music to their ears, but it is not a fair hit on ratepayers at this time.
r
Wednesday, September 21, 2005

STRONG, CLEAR, INSIGHTFUL, LEADERSHIP - STATEMENT BY POSITIVELY WELLINGTON BUSINESS

"As stipulated by the Land Transport Management Act, I am here on the RLTC to promote the objective of “economic development” – as distinct from representing any particular entity or Council.

This said, I am employed by Positively Wellington Business, which is the Wellington Region's economic development agency. PWB was created four years ago by Wellington City Council – to their great credit.

WCC remains PWB 's principal funder. However, funding is also contributed by the four other territorial councils in the immediate region.

Our principle is to focus first and foremost on economic development based on regional consensus – all within the ultimate context of the emerging Wellington Regional Strategy. We believe that economic development is the most important thing – and that the wider social community benefits and well-beings will flow from it.

Our mission is to deliver a range of economic development and capability-building services to businesses.

The PWB Board is comprised of nominees from these five Councils. The PWB Board as our governance entity does not have a preference between upgrading State Highway 1 or Transmission Gully. Their firm position is that I should not therefore express any preference.

This may or may not facilitate your consensus – but it certainly doesn't impede it.

We at PWB will be there to deliver economic development throughout this process and beyond – so long as Councils continue to fund us to do so."

ROBERT'S COMMENT

As the chief executive tells me: "Currently we have nine trustees - five appointed by WCC (Bain, Morrison, Loughnan, Osborne and Wicksteed) and one each from PCC (Douglas- Chair, UHCC (Renner), HCC (Gilmore), and KCDC (Strachan)".

Let them never again comment on local governemnt or ask for money. They say they do not have a "preference". Not that the issues are balanced and they cannot select between the options. It is not acceptable to have a valuable seat at the Council table, with the right to vote, and to avoid real issues. Wellington deserves to have every mind on the job. The whole issue of their right to be at the Council table is raised by this gutless, mindless, stance. I might add, that over the years when I was on the Regional Land Transport Committee, the PWB representative has been one of the most insightful and useful members, and his vote has been important.
r
Wednesday, September 21, 2005.

A LITTLE CONFUSION GOES A LONG WAY

The CEO PCC
Attn Dr Roger Blakeley

Dear Roger

I forward this email for your reconsideration of procedures.
Surely it is not the intention of Council to exclude public participation in its meetings?

We await your response.

K regards
Graeme E
TBRA


----------
From: Graeme Ebbett <ebbett.automation@clear.net.nz>
Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2005 17:04:15 +1200
To: Allie Dunn - PCC <ADUNN@pcc.govt.nz>
Subject: Re: Standing Orders Relating to Public Forum / Deputations

Dear Allie

Thanks for the explanation and copy.

I note that the new Standing Orders, although now with the 3 day notice proviso added to "Public Forum" (same as "Deputations"), still allow for a request to the Chairperson for a hearing in "Public Forum", right up to the time in the meeting.

I also note that the new Standing Order allows for an Agenda  item to be dropped if  "no business exists".

But there is no way of officers knowing whether or not business exists in "Public Forum" right up to the time, so it follows that "Public Forum" cannot be dropped off the Agenda.

This would seem logical because:-
The Agenda goes out 3 days prior to a meeting.
Until members of the public see the Agenda  they are unaware of a desire to speak to an item.
Should they wish to  address the Committee, then at that point they are already too late to advise the Chairperson or CEO in time to meet the 3-day-notice requirement.

And if the Secretary has already dropped "Public Forum" off the Agenda, then how is a member of the public aware of any opportunity to speak?

They are therefore excluded (as I almost was last Wednesday).

So there is now a chicken and egg situation which is only resolved by always putting item 5 "Public Forum" (SO58) on the Committee Agenda (as was the practice in the old days).

The situation is different for a deputation whose members have usually been following a subject and  have advance notice of Agenda items.

Perhaps best I approach the CEO again?

Kind regards

Graeme Ebbett
Chairman
Titahi Bay Residents Assn Inc
C/- 37 Terrace Rd, Titahi Bay, Porirua.
Work Ph 568 6377, Fx 568 2374
Home Ph 236 8574, Fx 236 8591
Email ebbett.automation@clear.net.nz

From: Allie Dunn - PCC <ADUNN@pcc.govt.nz>
Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2005 09:50:44 +1200
To: "'ebbett.automation@clear.net.nz'" <ebbett.automation@clear.net.nz>
Cc: Roger Blakeley - PCC <RBlakeley@pcc.govt.nz>
Subject: Standing Orders Relating to Public Forum / Deputations


Dear Mr Ebbett

The Chief Executive has asked me to reply to your query about standing orders relating to public forum.

The current Standing Orders were adopted by Council on 16 September 2004.

There is no requirement to apply in writing to speak in public forum.  

The standing order requires that the person wishing to speak in public forum advises either the Chief Executive or the Chairperson at least 3 working days prior to the meeting, or later at the discretion of the Chairperson.   This can be done verbally.

I have attached a copy of the current standing orders. These can also be downloaded from Council's website www.pcc.govt.nz <http://www.pcc.govt.nz/> , enter "standing orders" in the search field and this will take you straight to them. Standing Order 73 contains the procedures for deputations and public forum.

Although the wording of the standing orders has changed, the procedures for arranging public forum and deputations are pretty much the same. Under the previous standing orders, the practice was the same in that members of the public were required to make prior arrangements for speaking in public forum.  We have not had a "public forum" item sitting on the agenda like other Councils do.  The item "public forum" would only be included in the agenda if the committee secretary had received requests to speak in public forum prior to sending the agenda out (which occurs 3 working days prior to the meeting).   If a request to speak in public forum was made between the time the agenda went out and the day of the meeting, this would be communicated to the Chairperson prior to the meeting, and arrangements made for a time to be allocated for that person to speak.   

We follow this same procedure with the new standing orders.  This provides the opportunity for a member of the public or a deputation to address a committee meeting even if timing doesn't enable them to make prior arrangements to do so before the agenda goes out.

Regards, Allie Dunn , Team Leader Democratic Services

ROBERT'S COMMENT

In practice this part of Council works reasonably well because the chairpersons' allow late comers to speak. I did some work on the last revision of the Standing Orders but they were rushed through before the election and received scant attention in the end. If anyone wants a digitised version with my amendments in red, let me know. There are many problems in the Standing Orders. The base problem is that they are written around administrative convenience and the protection of those who are there. The rules need to be derived from the principles of democratic participation and good decision making. There is little interest in getting things right, and so this burden adds to other burdens and the chance of the Council working well is thereby pretty much zero.
r
September 21, 2005

A MEETING OF SCIENCE AND POLITICS - ALL WELCOME

Dear Robert

The Pauatahanui Inlet Community Trust cordially invites you to its 2004/05 AGM .

          Date:           Monday, 26 September 2005

          Time:           7:30 pm to 8:30. Drinks and nibbles to follow…

          Venue:         Gear Homestead, Porirua City

Among the conventional   things of an AGM, the Trust will report on its activities for the past year.We very much hope to see you there! To assist with catering please RSVP to r.w.plume@xtra.co.nz or call 233-9777 or 233-8361.

Russell Plume, Chairperson, Pauatahanui Inlet Community Trust

YOU PAY AND THEN YOU HAVE TO DO IT YOURSELF - WRITING THE DISTRICT PLAN

Extract from the Minutes of the Paremata Residents' Association:

Re Village Strategy . It appears that our area has been put in the too hard basket. It is imperative that we follow up and ensure our wishes are know as officers have their own ideas which are/maybe different from residents.
The following motion was passed:
As the committee does not have the resources or manpower, we approach PCC and request their support in establishing residents' views. Whether by cottage meetings, a referendum or other means.

ROBERT COMMENTS

One of the most important roles of local government is to produce a District Plan and manage the planning of communities. When Council seeks to involve others in the work, the Council should pay. That is why we pay rates. This does not mean that the Council should pay for normal consultation, but what is required in the development of the village strategies goes well beyond consultation.
r
Tuesday, September 20, 2005

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Last Sunday at 3 pm as arranged, Ruth and I were at the office of Margaret McKeefry a real estate agent for Guardian First National. It was that very cold, wet and windy day. Actually, we were outside her office, on the main street of Johnsonville. The office was locked. The agent did not show up. We eventually rang from a phone box and was told she forgot. We were also told she had been busy with an offer and it was a cold day. She did not offer to meet us at the house, or to come right down to her office where we waited. I prompted Ruth on the phone to ask for the address so we could at least look at the house from the outside. We were not to be given the address.

In case you think I do not like all real estate agents let me also tell you that whilst I walked up and down the main street of Johnsonville, trying to keep the blood circulating, I happened to pass Murray Woodley and his wife from The Professionals - they were red coated and pushing against the wind. They would not let a dog stand outside for three-quarters of an hour, let alone a client. Neither would John Burke or Euon Murrell from ReMax. All this proves you should only deal with people who come recommended.

Ruth's free time is very limited. As a medical specialist and a member of the Capital and Coast Health Board she is incredibly busy, and Sunday afternoon is precious. She had driven from Silverstream to be at Johnsonville. Likewise, I am not exactly drifting and I had driven from Papakowhai..
r
Tuesday, September 20, 2005

THE AUGUST 2005 SURVEY - WELLINGTON REGIONAL GROWTH FRAMEWORK

The time has come to fill in my questionnaire - but I cannot do it. No one likes to participate in public policy making more than I, but I cannot bring myself to complete and post this form. The form is blatantly dishonest, misleading, and self-serving. It opens with the "motherhood and apple pie" questions. Who I wonder can be against "effective leadership and partnerships? Well I will tell you I am against their arrogant leadership and the partnerships they talk about are a clinging together of vested interests who want to get their hands on large amounts of the ratepayers money to advance the interests of some against the interests of others.

Then it goes on: do I support "action on major roads" (this from the people who have been silent as the grave whilst the Transmission Gully debate rages around them!). Land and infrastructure is to be "used efficiently". Who on this planet will oppose that?

There are generally thought to be five kinds of validity to consider when you construct instruments like this survey form. One of them is sometimes known as "face validity" which simply means that the survey appears to those who complete it to make sense and be about what counts. This survey has zero face validity. I dare not examine it further.

A couple more things they are surveying about. Who will oppose: "a beautiful ecologically sustainable natural environment" which offers "opportunities for recreation and healthy living"? Yes of course that mix of words could mean any of a dozen things, many of them contradictory.

The whole thing would be a joke, but for the fact that there are really people out there who want to use this survey as springboard to impose their own view of the world upon us. It is your money they are after.

Finally, notice how silent this lot was when Wellington came out as the most prosperous region in NZ. All they can do is muck up what is obviously going well. These people should stop their efforts to get public money and get into a real business.
r
Tuesday, September 20, 2005

FROM THOSE WHO OPPOSE TRANSMISSION GULLY

Transmission Gully reality check: Summary:

Expensive to build, hard to finance

Requires a two thirds subsidy from ratepayers or petrol tax.

Marginal benefits

• Same distance as existing route.
• Trucks will still use coastal route.
• Transit NZ estimates that improvements to coastal route will deliver 40% of the traffic gains of Transmission Gully for 11 % of the cost.
• Worst crashes on high speed sections of existing route, not congested sections. Potential for serious crashes on new route.

Vulnerable to earthquakes

Crosses a fault line at point of greatest earthworks. Unlikely to be cleared before coastal route in event of an earthquake.

Worsens other problems

• Will inevitably shift congestion to other trouble spots.
• Promotes urban sprawl in an area with water supply, sewage disposal and coastal erosion problems.
• Undermines public transport and mobility for people without cars.

Serious environmental effects

• Increased CO2emissions from induced traffic and facilitation of urban sprawl.
• Siltation of the highly significant ecology of the Pauatahanui Inlet.
• Over 10 million cubic metres of earthworks.
• Cuts through established and well used regional parks.

Public support exaggerated

• Only 50% willing to pay.
• Public transport options never put to public.

Recommendations

Adopt a sequenced approach that does not rule out the road but follows the following steps:

1. Require genuine assessment of alternatives, including alternatives to roading by independent assessors.

2. Invest in upgrading passenger transport alternative, including better local services.

3. Consider a peak time charge on the existing road to reduce effects on communities and assess true demand for Transmission Gully.

4. Adopt electronic pricing for trucks to encourage a shift in freight from road to rail.

5. Reduce the speed of traffic and undertake safety improvements on dangerous high speed sections of the coastal route, through a combination of enforcement and engineering.

If demand for Transmission Gully persists after these measures:

6. Allow the motorway to be built,

(i) financed largely by tolls with the percentage subsidy from rates or petrol tax no greater than that available to public transport and;

(ii) only in combination with:

• traffic calming on the coastal route to ensure a shift of traffic onto the inland route; and
• managed development of the Kapiti Coast to prevent further commuter suburb development and worsening traffic problems.

COMMUNITY ORGANISATION THAT SUPPORTS TRANSMISSION GULLY

Here are some of the street meetings planned in the campaign to support Transmission Gully. The community digs in for a long fight!

If you want the latest information on your street and it is not listed below, please contact Tim Sheppard ph 233.6373, who has the mammoth task of overall organisation of the street meetings.

MANA AND TE TAI TONGA ELECTION RESULTS 2005

Mana Result

Congratulations to Winnie Laban and Chris Finlayson (list). The order is: Labour, National, Greens, United, NZ First, and others insignificant.

ELECTION 05 - MUCH TO BE PROUD ABOUT

In an unsafe and troubled world, New Zealand conduced a superb election. The quality of debate was higher than previously. The techniques of campaigning were moderate and those who complained generally were not complaining about much. Most important, people actively participated at all levels. Much credit goes to Don Brash. For the first time since she became Prime Minister, Helen Clark (now 55 years of age and in office for for 6 years) is opposed by someone with an intellect equal to her own. Brash's inexperience showed, but his sincerity and ability were extant.

The quality of MPs has slightly improved overall thanks to National, Labour and the Maori Party. The challenge the Maori Party faces now is to firm their position without precipitating a backlash from Pakeha - this seems a bit unlikely in the short term for already they are looking arrogant.

The Greens remain weak and will stay that way until they decide to grow up and hold a Cabinet seat. Growing up entails accepting responsibility that entails practical compromise, so the party is challenged, although the MPs want Ministerial office. There are two good Greens in Parliament tied to a party of chumps. Election 95 proves the green ideological base is now firmly established in the community and will endure which is more important for New Zealand long-term than the present squabble over Cabinet seats.

Campaigning in Porirua has been frantic. I have many tired friends from several parties. We all should thank these people who care enough about ideas and our future to work in the framework of democracy. Local government campaigns in Porirua are generally pretty dirty, but the general election campaign appears to have been very well conducted on all sides. Congratulations to new Mana Man, 27 on National's list, Chris Finlayson.

The major problem New Zealand has is the enormous tail end of political parties. Not one party has the ability to develop sound policy over the whole of government. Labour does best because it can call upon the public service. Baskets of pledges and promises have taken the place of reasoned policy. When candidates are selected the one question that must be asked is "Are they a potential Cabinet Minister?". Political parties must reject all as candidates who are not potential Ministers of the Crown.
r
Sunday, September 18, 2005

RATES INCREASE WHEN COUNCIL BORROWS FOR THE RECREATION CENTRE

Estimated residential rates increase to service a loan for the recreation centre at $11 million over 25 years.

For a property worth $200,000 the cost is $35.92 a year.
For a property worth $250,000 the cost is $43.65 a year.
For a property worth $300,000 the cost is $51.38 a year.
For a property worth $400,000 the cost is $66.84 a year.

The operating costs will be in addition to the loan costs and greater than the sums quoted for the loan.
r
Friday, September 16, 2005

MONTE OHIA

I sent a message of support to my friend Monte Ohia, Te Tai Tonga Candidate for the Maori Party. We once ran a project together. More> Like myself, Monte is working on a PhD. It appears the universities no longer corrupt the young, but they do attract the elderly with an interest in politics.

Chris Finlayson from National paid me a visit. He is very likeable, plenty of opinions, and a very useful background for Parliament. His advocacy for Transmission Gully could be very useful. I reflect that when both Roger Sowry and Graeme Kelly were Members of Parliament for our region, as a councillor I was frequently invited to the Beehive to participate in actions on behalf of our area. Graeme played a leading role in establishing the regular meetings for all regional councillors and regional MPs. In this way there was good integration of local government and central government. Perhaps that will emerge again when Chris enters Parliament on National's list.

MMP works! The highest voter turnout predicted, and voters have a very positive sense of their own power.
r
Friday, September 16, 2005

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NATIONAL ELECTION - MAORI PARTY

It is quite possible that the Maori Party will have a small number of seats in Parliament. This may be the most significant change that appears in this election.

It may be the "historical event" of the election. In many ways it is akin to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Maori and Pakeha come together, in a Pakeha system, but with Maori taking a position of minority power. Minority yes, but nevertheless it is some genuine power.

The importance of the Maori Party for all New Zealanders lies in demographics. In a very short time, over half the faces in our country will be brown. The period of white domination in New Zealand will be seen as a brief 200 years in thousands of years of occupation. We are at a critical moment - now is when the transition from English systems, values, and culture, must occur. We have to find peaceful methods to adjust ourselves. Pakeha have nothing to fear in this adjustment .Values and ways evolve and Maori bring to us a very positive basket of values. In particular there are values that relate to business, enterprise, inclusiveness, environmentalism, and genuine care for the weak in society.

That the Maori Party is a genuine Maori party is important. It is quite different from having Maori people in another party, where the rules and decision-making mechanisms are all set. Being a Party in Parliament will provide for the Maori a useful level of resource.The opportunity to organise nationally and with a mana that will enable them to integrate with iwi, and to have iwi pull together.

Notice also the quality of the Maori candidates. Intellectually, and often as personalities, they outgun their Pakeha equivalents.

It is probably true that the current rise of the Maori politically is largely a result of Maori television, including the Maori news. Willie Jackson's chat show has also been significant. Over a very long period now Maori have been able to discuss issues nationally and both involvement and understanding have been advanced. Genuine communications system work for Maori at present.

Finally, with the Maori Party in Parliament, expect all sorts of confusions and excitement. Only those who do nothing make no mistakes.
r
Friday, September 16, 2005

TITHAI BAY ISSUES - RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION STATEMENT

Is this the way you want to go?

After months of consultation we have gathered your ideas and have begun to create a blueprint for Titahi Bay . This is what we thought you wanted us to emphasise in our proposal for development of the Bay.

The Beach

Titahi Bay residents would like to create a management strategy for Titahi Bay beach with particular emphasis on the fossilised forest, water quality, boatshed maintenance and the management of cars on the beach.

The Shopping Centre

Residents would like to see a vibrant shopping centre with improved design, art trails and facilities, an ATM, and a variety of retail outlets, cafes and family restaurants.

Whitireia Park

Residents think Whitireia Park is great and development should be minimal.

The Harbour

Again, Titahi Bay Residents would like to create a management strategy emphasising water quality, clean up of rubbish, safe access for families and the creation of a walkway from Onepoto to Porirua shopping district.

Village Character

Titahi Bay Residents would like to live in a safe suburb with increased police presence, improved signage and effective traffic calming techniques. We would also like to protect our views with height restrictions, keep the variety of buildings and people, emphasis our natural assets, improve tree planting and promote alternative energy sources.

Rocky Coast

Residents love the Rocky coast and would like it to remain in its current state.

Recreation Facilities

Titahi Bay residents would like our recreation facilities to be enhanced, playgrounds upgraded, a skate park to be built, full cycle facilities to be designed and the bay to host events.

Where Next?

Once we get your responses we will be preparing a detailed questionnaire from which an action plan will be written.

We would like your ideas, please contact Claire Oram by phone 236-5476, mail 17 Chaffey Crescent , Titahi Bay or email birdie@value.net.nz . Feedback must be received no later than 20 September 2005.

Provided to you by The Titahi Bay Residents Association Incorporated.

TITAHI BAY - REMOVAL OF DIVE INN - PRACTICAL ASPECTS

---------- From: Graeme <gebbett@buzz.net.nz> Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2005 23:21:31 +1200 To: Jenny Brash <mayor@pcc.govt.nz> Cc: Maureen Gillon <tamnagh@paradise.net.nz> , Graeme Ebbett <ebbett.automation@clear.net.nz> Subject: FW: Demolition Plan & Site Works - Dive Inn - Titahi Bay Beach FYI PS Vandalism is largely attributed to power being cut off from the building so PIR security lights are out on the building and the Street light has gone from the end of the driveway. Based on our previous experience (alterations to the building, film-set crews etc) there is no way demolition can be carried out without operating machines off the beach (cranes etc). Remnants from previous alterations to the building (concrete slabs) are over the bank and into the CMA (Coastal Marine Area). This includes onto the beach amongst prime samples of the fossilised forest. K regards Graeme Ebbett ---------- From: Graeme Ebbett <ebbett.automation@clear.net.nz> Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2005 17:37:14 +1200 To: Don Borrie <dborrie@ihug.co.nz> , Kaaryn Cater <singingspokes@xtra.co.nz> , Ruth &Bob Cater <rubob@xtra.co.nz> , Maureen Cox <brian.cox@xtra.co.nz> , Carli Ebbett <carli_rox@hotmail.com> , Graeme Ebbett <gebbett@clear.net.nz> , Rose Hudson <brirose@xtra.co.nz> , Claire Oram <birdie@value.net.nz> , John Watson <jonwat@xtra.co.nz> , Peter Windsor <windsopete@hotmail.com> Subject: FW: Demolition Plan & Site Works - Dive Inn - Titahi Bay Beach ---------- From: Gary Simpson - PCC <GSimpson@pcc.govt.nz> Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2005 14:40:35 +1200 To: 'Graeme Ebbett' <ebbett.automation@clear.net.nz> Cc: Keith Miller - PCC <KMiller@pcc.govt.nz> , Neville Watt - PCC <NWATT@pcc.govt.nz> , Roger Blakeley - PCC <RBlakeley@pcc.govt.nz> Subject: RE: Demolition Plan & Site Works - Dive Inn - Titahi Bay Beach Hello Graeme I am not sure how far the preparatory work has gone in relation to the demolition of the Dive Inn building. Neville Watt, our property manager is handling that. I doubt however that we will be undertaking any earthworks on the beach or within the CMA as my understanding is everything to be demolished is contained within the Recreation Reserve and it is only access and egress which may be an issue. It is preferable that the access road be used if that is possible as it would be outside the CMA and fossil related issues would not be a factor. It will be something that Neville will be considering in his planning and it is helpful for him to know that the TBRA are prepared to assist with the planning. I'm sure that he will contact you to follow up your offer. Regards Gary Simpson -----Original Message----- From: Graeme Ebbett [ mailto:ebbett.automation@clear.net.nz ] Sent: Tuesday, 13 September 2005 1:42 p.m. To: Gary Simpson Cc: Don Borrie; Kaaryn Cater; Ruth &Bob Cater; Maureen Cox; Carli Ebbett; Graeme Ebbett; Rose Hudson; Claire Oram; John Watson; Peter Windsor; Tracey Waters; Liz Kelly; Ken Douglas; John Sherriff; Dan Albert; Brian Warburton Subject: Demolition Plan & Site Works - Dive Inn - Titahi Bay Beach The CEO PCC Attn Mr Gary Simpson Hi Gary Does PCC know yet what consents may be required for earthworks and heavy machinery on the beach? Anyway, vehicles are prohibited from driving on the fossilised forest and it would be good to have a proper demolition and site restoration plan in place ASAP to put minds at rest that it is going to be possible for GWRC to enforce that rule throughout the entire procedure. Perhaps council would invite us to assist with that plan? Perhaps the TelstraSaturn resource consent (which we drafted and was approved by the Environment Court) could be used as a template? What is the time-frame now? Should we deal with your department? K regards Graeme Ebbett Chairman Titahi Bay Residents Assn Inc C/- 37 Terrace Rd, Titahi Bay, Porirua. Work Ph 568 6377, Fx 568 2374 Home Ph 236 8574, Fx 236 8591 Email ebbett.automation@clear.net.nz

INDUSTRIAL GROWTH ON THE PLIMMERTON DOMAIN

I struggle to see why the Council committee needs more information on the proposal to commercialise the Plimmerton Domain. If the plan is to use the reserve for commercial purposes then the Council should openly call for tenders from all who might like to use the land. The narrow focus on the one audacious proposal is unhealthy. The whole idea of reserves is that they are not commercial areas, that is why they are called reserves. But, some councillors have the attitude that they are really there as resources to be ripped off today by whoever asks. Me thinks judicial review and Ombudsman (except that they will not touch a decision by elected persons). This whole expensive time-wasting sideshow distracts the officers from the real urgent work we need to have done, and it generates misery in the community. It is a rerun of the Buxton Garden fiasco - when will they ever learn? The chairperson responsible is Cr Litea Ah Hoy.
r
Thursday, September 15, 2005

HOW I BECAME INVOLVED IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Someone asked how I became interested in local government and first stood for the PCC. As a child I took myself to meetings of the Mt Roskill Borough Council.The council chamber was in a large concrete building on Mt Albert Road, opposite Three Kings Primary School that I attended. The mayor was Sir Keith Hay. I remember distinctly, suddenly finding a letter I had written to the Council in the printed blue agenda papers. I suspect I turned red from head to toe. The letter was to ask for weeds to be removed along Hillsborough Road. In those days the councillors decided on all the things that the managers now decide. Hence, they had to decide about my weeds. I really do not know why I began to take an interest in local government. Perhaps I did not like weeds.

The first time I stood for a council position it was the Toowoomba City Council (Queensland) and I came 9th when 8 were to be elected. I learnt a great deal about local government from Jack Duggan who was the deputy mayor at the time and a former deputy Premier of Queensland (from memory). Those from whom I have learnt the most in New Zealand are John Seddon (PCC), Euan McQueen (GW), and Stuart Macaskill (GW).

I believe we need a sort of apprenticeship system to develop young councillors for Porirua City. The Youth Council was a step in the right direction, but I would like to have those people appointed to the real committees of council and to develop their knowledge and skills in that way.

Councils are complicated and new councillors require about two years to find their feet.At this moment the Porirua Council has an exceptionally good bunch of councillors and all they need is organisation and leadership. They are often over-worked, tired, and frustrated. They do not have the time to do the reading required, and it has not been suggested to them that they specialise in something each year. They need training and education in local government - even those who have been there for a long time have had very little opportunity to develop their philosophy and to consider the different ways things can be done. They are forced from one firefight to another. Our leaders have to be created, they are not going to walk in off the street. In this, Pakeha might learn from Maori.

The other thing councillors need is knowledge of history. There is the history of issues, and there is the history of the place. The history of issues builds over the years and depends on reading. The history of the place you have to get by talking to people in the community and pottering around. Our Porirua Library has an excellent collection of local material that I have found helpful with issues and place. Also, Archives New Zealand is very helpful. So far I have only found time to research Pukerua Bay, and that produced a wealth of material about the gardens, the cattle yards, the three schools, and the donations by the Gray family (how incredible that when Council came to name streets recently it emerged that some making the decision did not know who the Grays were, or Pope for that matter - and accordingly they thought the street names were all a bit random and of no great importance) .
r
Saturday, September 10, 2005

TRYING TO MAKE THE COUNCIL MORE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

At last night's meeting it was agreed my motion (seconded Cr Tracey Waters) be reported upon by officers:
“That officers report to the Strategy and Finance Committee on provisions to:
a) make all workshops open to the public unless formally closed on a
motion consistent with local government legislation;
b) make workshops subject to standing orders with amendments to
facilitate free and open discussion and the provision of information”
Wednesday, September 7, 2005

TRUCKS THROUGH PLIMMERTON

According to Council officers the Plimmerton Quarry is allowed 30 truck movements a day. In one week they did "up to 200 movements". The community is upset. If there is still an issue with the community Council will need to revist the current agreement. It was my understanding that the Quarry management was over a period of six months to remove the metal that had already been heaped up at the ex-quarry site, and that a special dispensation was given by the PCC to enable this to happen. It is foolish to have metal sitting there and never used. Presumably, it is pretty much gone by now.
r
Tuesday, September 6, 2005

PORIRUA CITY COUNCIL - WHO HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE SINCE 1995

This table shows the councillors responsible for particular areas of Council at particular times. This is the City's leadership - our brightest and our best. They negotiate and speak for us in public. They have a unique opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of an area of Council. Council officers report to them, and they control the Council agendas. Included also are the years in which people were elected but held no responsibilities beyond those to the City-at-large (I sometimes call them, with no disrespect, "ordinary councillors").

BOATSHED CHARGES

Boatshed owners are beating the drums about Council fee increases (which I vaguely remember voting for). Anyway, they asked me to investigate and I am. The situation is always complicated for those sheds below Mean High Water Spring belong to Greater Wellington and those above PCC. But what if the shed sits on the line? Or even worse, what if some of it is on private land as well! Also, there are different rules for different groups of sheds in Porirua City.
r
Tuesday, September 6, 2005

GOOD NEWS FOR THE PORIRUA RATEPAYER - THIS LOT MIGHT BE ABLE TO DO WITHOUT YOUR CONTRIBUTION

PRESS RELEASE FROM POSITIVELY WELLINGTON BUSINESS 16 September 2005

NEW MANUFACTURING CENTRE ON THE CARDS FOR WELLINGTON REGION

The development of a Greater Wellington Industry Development Centre (GW-IDC) comes a big step closer today with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise‘s funding confirmation this week.

“We're delighted to have won a capability funding grant from the Government to map out this exciting regional project” said Positively Wellington Business Chief Executive Philip Lewin today.

PWB , the economic development agency for the greater Wellington region, will now put together a detailed business case for a ‘one stop shop' for the development of new manufacturing product ideas, utilising the great strengths that the region has - particularly in design and materials expertise.

There will be further extensive consultation with potential partners and collaborators who have already shown encouraging support for this venture, to ensure a robust business model can be formulated.

The business case will then form the basis for a further application to NZTE for Major Regional Initiative ( MRI ) funding of up to two million dollars for the Centre.

“With a considerable amount of the region's manufacturing expertise coming from smaller very focused companies, it is often a challenge to take brand new ideas or designs through the design and prototyping stages which are normally handled in-house by much larger companies” says Mr Lewin.

“This project will help drive the continued advance of product design and development across in the Wellington region. It will be right in the zone identified by our region's Mayors last month in launching their Wellington Regional Strategy Growth Framework – unleashing economic potential and enhancing the internationalisation of our businesses”.

“Here in the Wellington region, we are fortunate to have Crown Research Institutes such as Industrial Research Ltd and the Institute for Geological and Nuclear Sciences who are focused on taking good product ideas through to the commercialisation stage” Mr Lewin continued.

“WELTEC has a Centre for Smart Product, and Victoria and Massey Universities are producing world-class designers, many with brilliant ideas that need more research and development to get them through to a point where they can be picked up and produced by local manufacturers.

“Ideas and needs will also flow through the centre from established manufacturers in the region who will be able to tap into the expertise of designers, metallurgists, scientists and the like – which will be more accessible through a focused entity such as the GW-IDC”.

“The Industry Development Centre will enable this combined expertise to be harnessed to accelerate these projects through to the prototyping stage, and eventual production, either here in New Zealand or as part of the global value chain”.

“If confirmed, the Centre will be our second Major Regional Initiative- funded project – the first being the Miramar Film Studio opened by Prime Minister Helen Clark earlier in the year” added Mr Lewin.” “We at PWB and our partners are looking forward to make this project a reality for Wellington !”

Philip Lewin 021 956 026
September 16, 2005

CHRIS FINLAYSON'S CONTROVERSIAL LETTER TO ELECTORS

Dear Mr and Mrs (personally addressed to people from the electoral database)

The recent announcement by the regional council to support a major upgrade to SH I in your area has very serious consequences for Paekakariki . Paekakariki will not exist as we know it.

•  There will be no shops or service stations on Mana Esplanade

•  The Plimmerton Beach as we know It: will be destroyed

•  The Pukerua Bay foreshore will be devastated and the town further bisected

•  Paekakariki shops will be moved so the railway can be shifted closer to the beach

•  More environmental damage to the Pauatahanui Inlet

The vote on the preferred option was narrow, and only passed with the casting vote of the Chairman.

Engineering and budget reports have indicated that upgrading SH I will cost more than building Transmission Gully. By some estimates upgrading Centennial Highway will cost $1.4 billion.

The Labour Party has been playing games with this issue. Different audiences have been told different things. In the last four weeks, Winnie Laban has supported both Transmission Gully and the upgrading of Centennial Highway - completely opposite propositions.

People in Paekakariki deserve more than political duplicity from the Labour Party.

It isn't too late to stop the Centennial Highway upgrade. The submission process gives us the opportunity to let the wishes of our community to be heard. With proper leadership, Paekakariki can be saved. I will provide that leadership.

On September 17 you have the opportunity to vote for real leadership in the Mana Electorate. You deserve consistency from your Parliamentary representatives. Please vote for Paekakariki and support me.

Yours faithfully
Chris Finlayson
Mana Candidate
Authorised by Ross Browne, L14, 57 Willis St, Wellington.

PRESS STATEMENT: ADRIAN WEBSTER, PAEKAKARIKI COMMUNITY BOARD

“People won't be fooled by the National Party's attempt to hitch its wagon to local concerns about a coastal expressway.” Commenting upon the National Party letter sent to every elector in the village, Paekakariki Community Board Chairman Adrian Webster said the letter got key facts wrong and would not help the legitimate concerns of the community.

He said there was no proposal to move the shops so that the railway line could be moved closer to the beach. “Instead there is a proposal to slightly realign the railway north of the station to save cutting into the escarpment if the coastal expressway was to proceed.” he said.

“Other purported facts in the letter are wrong too. The growing campaign to save our coastal communities and environment will progress better if it's not mired in party politics, said Mr Webster.

He said the attack on Winnie Laban MP was particularly unfair and quite unfounded. “Whatever their politics, people in our village know that she has long supported Transmission Gully as the preferred Western Corridor option. They have seen her work hard to get us a safer intersection. They know her dedication to the region meant that we kept Whareroa Farm in public hands when it was National Party policy to have sold it.

“It's completely misleading to see her support for extending the Centennial Highway median barrier, which she worked to get for us, as support for the coastal option. We can see who is resorting to ‘political duplicity' and it's not Winnie Laban,” said Mr Webster.

MEDIA STATEMENT: MANA MP - TRANSMISSION GULLY

Scare Tactics and Distortions in Plimmerton

"A letter has been sent to Plimmerton residents telling them Plimmerton will be destroyed and Pukerua Bay will be devastated by road works", said Mana MP Winnie Laban. "The letter is full of distortions and is an attempt by the National Party candidate to scare residents and discredit me." "A letter has been sent to Plimmerton residents telling them Plimmerton will be destroyed and Pukerua Bay will be devastated by road works", said Mana MP Winnie Laban.

"The letter is full of distortions and is an attempt by the National Party candidate to scare residents and discredit me." There is a clear process of public consultation in place to determine the preferred option for the Western Corridor. The first option is the coastal route that involves adding two lanes to the Centennial Highway and removing bottlenecks at Mana, Pukerua Bay, and Paekakariki. The second is building a road through Transmission Gully. Both routes pose significant consenting, environmental and engineering challenges. Both routes need to be carefully evaluated and all communities are being consulted. The lobbying of local Labour MPs has led to an additional $405 million made available for the Western Corridor. The government is investing a total of $885 million to provide a solution for the Wellington region's land transport problem. "That is why I organised a meeting on the 23rd of August for all the local residents associations to meet the Minister of Transport, the Hon. Peter Hodgson", said Winnie Laban. "There was a sensible discussion and the Minister took on board the residents' views and praised them for their well-researched and thoughtful submissions. He was very sympathetic to the residents." "I find it alarming that a political candidate, who does not even live in the electorate, is distributing inaccurate information in an attempt to scare local residents and gain political advantage" said Ms Laban. "For the record, I have always favoured the Transmission Gully route. But there must be regional agreement as to the preferred option", said Winnie Laban. "I want to see a good debate, based on hard facts, with everyone involved. Then a clear decision made that has the support of a strong consensus in the region , then let's get on and do the job!"

REPEAT BLOG BY REQUEST:

WARS ARE WON BY FIGHTING - TRANSMISSION GULLY

As Winston Churchill said "Wars are won by fighting". We need a sense of urgency, purpose, and direction regarding Transmission Gully. Never was there a more critical week than the present week. An urgent council meeting should be called for THIS Saturday (the mayor or the chief executive can do this) and all TG supporters/workers need to be invited. The meeting should quickly move into workshop format to devise a campaign of war and assign tasks. Then the meeting would move back to being a full council meeting and the councillors should vote funds for the campaign and direct officials. This exercise could cost up to $100,000. It is the most important community advocacy task the Council has ever undertaken. I have sent an email to the mayor and chief executive suggesting about 20 actions that are needed right now. ACTION ACTION ACTION

Robert Shaw
Porirua City Councillor
August 9, 2005

UPDATE:

The result put the Coastal Route just ahead, and that is very significant preference in what is now about to happen. It is significant because officially Transmission Gully is off the agenda. Officers have no mandate to work on it further.

Key points for our campaign. This is my current view and it is set out here to start a discussion - your thoughts are needed:

1. We must prove that the region are willing to pay for Transmission Gully with a toll and regional petrol tax. That requires a scientific survey.
2. Any consultation and surveys conducted by GW and Transit NZ will just be about the Coastal Route, because that is the selected option.They will not ask if people want to pay for Transmission Gully because the RLTC took TG off the agenda. Hence, 1 above.
3. If surveyed people are to respond our way, we need to educate and support them. The vehicle to do that is a petition supported by advertisements.
4. We need to give ordinary people a way to be heard on the issue of payment (again, the petition). This strategy has to operate throughout the whole region because the views of ordinary people rebound on the decision-makers who come from all over the region, and the petrol tax will apply throughout the region.
5. We need to sell the key ideas to community groups throughout the region and have them produce their own submissions. The number of submissions is important.
6. We need to have the costing work on the options subjected to professional peer review. Expect the other side to have new numbers and new experts. As people are discovering, these debates are never over - who wins is who speaks most authorative last. Remember that even though there was a professional paper that said the Coastal Route was more expensive, the RLTC voted for it.
7. There are people willing to pay for advertisements on this issue, but the Council must also be prepared to fund the work.