Recently there were comments made in Hibiscus Matters about myself and two other members of the Local Board being unorthodox in getting projects done. I believe that sometimes you have to think outside the square to get things over the line or to bring...... Read More

In the coming weeks, Auckland Council will be consulting on its 10-year budget. As it stands, Mr Goff wants to lock in a “one-off” five per cent increase in your rates, while Watercare is proposing to double your water bill over the next decade. Such...... Read More

Hey Coasties! I hope everyone is having a fantastic summer in true Coast fashion. As we begin the year, I hope you have had the opportunity to refresh your mind with new goals and have time to refocus on what really matters. On that note, I would like...... Read More

I hope everyone has had a good break over the holiday period. Our experience over the summer months is in marked contrast with what has been happening elsewhere in the world. In this respect, one of the more positive byproducts of the last 12 months...... Read More

Everyone will now know that Auckland Council faces significant losses in income that will affect its budgets for some years to come. With this has come calls to focus on “core business”. Core business is a matter of perspective. If you’re...... Read More

This summer there is no doubt we all deserved a good break after what has been a tough year, but at least here in NZ we got to enjoy the kind of festive season many other countries can only dream of. Recent mass gatherings like the Puhoi woodchopping...... Read More

This summer will have been our first under Covid conditions. There is no doubt we all deserved a good break after what has been a tough year, but at least here in New Zealand we got to enjoy the kind of festive season many other countries can only dream...... Read More

On December 1, I published my Mayoral Proposal for Auckland Council’s 10-year Budget 2021-2031. In normal circumstances, this budget would have built on the investments started in the 2018 Budget, which were making inroads into Auckland’s...... Read More

As we wrap up the year, it only feels natural to conclude with a reflection on 2020. The other day I attended a community meeting where we were asked about our aspirations for 2021. While the common response was “no more lockdowns”, I was...... Read More

Google Michigan roads and you will see the worst roads in the USA. Michigan’s roads are funded primarily from fuel taxes, but as vehicles become more efficient less tax is being collected. It is politically difficult to raise the tax because their...... Read More