hawkesbaycouncilwatch

Mayor Yules meeting of minds on sustainability was well attended.The usual crowd were there but it was pleasing to see many new faces.
Where this thing goes is a worry though the Mayor was adamant he didn’t want a talk fest every two months.
Perhaps the best comment came from Craig Foss who summed things up well.The agencies,the money,the people and resources are all there.Where are things falling down?
Good to see council staff came in for a caning as it was pointed out that they don’t think laterally.
More reaction in a few days.
NB HB Today was not in attendance. 

Three days without a computer! No major problem but not bad after four years.

It’s not often that we get, to the point, articles appearing in the local rag that are written by locals.
The article written by Tom Johnson in no less than HB Today, surprise ,surprise ,was one well worth reading.It spoke for many kiwis that feel the same way but feel if they say anything they will be crucified.
Toms take on the frustration that has built up over  years of going nowhere because of our fixation with matters surrounding the treaty and related issues, was a breath of fresh air.We need a leader and we need them fast.We need to climb out of this negative,debillitating frame of mind and get on with all those good things that we are about and enjoying the fantastic country we live in.
Well done Tom.    

A news flash today .Meerkat has heard that Transit are not going to proceed with the Southern Arterial connection to the expressway!
More on this later.

Hastings District Council does it again.They set up a group,this time the Urban Design Panel, a group of Hastings District Architects ,to provide advice on issues.(What does this cost ratepayers?),and then they ignore the advice.
This is typical of HDC .Do as we say ,not as we do.
The panel are suggesting there are major flaws with the design of the proposed Percival Rd sports complex.Their suggestion is to  scrap the project and have it reconsidered.This is a brave stand and judging from what they have stated then that is what must be done.The pursuit of this project will mean a millstone arouind the neck of Hastings Ratepayers.
There just has to be a better alternative and the secrecy and backroom deals that appear to be taking place within this council are something that needs to be stopped.
It is also a concern that the group has expressed an opinion that there is infighting taking place between the Council and Kelt Capital.This is serious stuff.
There was always the possibility that this joining of minds between big business and council would be a mismatch.
thanks to HB Today for the story but it was printed too late for the public to be able to respond. 

The residents of Parklands are not going to give up in their fight to keep Parklands as the new suburbs, rightful name.
It is a typical of the pathetic issues that create strife and stress in our lives when there is no need for it.
Strength to their arm.

CHB Council have understandibly caved in over the 80 sq.m of hill top that supported Porangahau residents water supply tanks and was there  to help people, but the clever clogs that took them to court over two water tanks on a hill  are now going to have to cough in a kind of revenge act from the council.
It’s this sort of nonsense ratepayers could do without. 

Mayor Yule took a photo opportunity and drove a grader to disturb the earth in Percival Rd.Several ratepayers have asked how come the earth is being turned and the Plan Change has only just been notified.Well it’s the way they do things in Hastings.One rule for the council another for everyone else.
The Plan Change document is online and is a heady read.Meerkat hopes there will be a good response from ratepayers challenging this stealthy move to spread the city yet again. 

Hastings District Cr Keriana Poulain gave a rousing talk on Talkback ZB last Thursday.
Something coming up this week had really raised her dander and she is ready for alll and sundry at this meeting.
The CEO had particularly risen up her nose and he is number one in the firing line.
The gallery should be full for this one.!   

Arising out of the misty hills of Hawkes Bay a new blog is worth a visit.
maidennz.wordpress.com
Starved of meaningful debate by our local newspapers soon a blog network will help hawkes bay debate the issues as seen from our wonderful region.